the best views of all, however, are to be found in the castelo das ruinas, an old mansion that has been converted into an art gallery and cultural center, complete with a theatre, exhibition space, bar and a lookout.

when night falls the streets on the hill come to live in a wonderful light, when the bohemian residents come out to populate the squares and bars to engage in the customary bate-papo (chat).  

santa teresa has been home to several notable residents, with perhaps the most illustrious of all being  raimundo otoni castro maya, an eager art collector.