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.