The spot was of fundamental importance in the development of Brazilian music, hosting festivals throughout the 80s for the key Bossa Nova and Tropicalia artists. Today it continues to organise concerts and parties throughout the summer months.

The mountain is just a little over half the size of its sugar loaf twin, at 720 feet. Very close to the Morro is a small fortified village called são Sebastião do Rio which also makes for a very pleasant and interesting visit. Ascending Morro do Urca provides visitors with a truly unique opportunity to appreciate the weird, wonderful and awe-inspiring topography of Rio de Janeiro.