the neighborhood is
named after the local convent,
which was constructed on the desterro hill in the 1750s. from the convent, an amazing feat of
engineering can be seen in the nearby lapa neighborhood,
the carioca aqueduct,
best known as arches of lapa.
designed to
supply the residents with clean water, this aqueduct was converted into a
transportation line for the santa teresa tramway or 'bondinho' to
locals.