nowadays this park corresponds to an area of 13.3 hectares of woodland, which grows beside the important leme road. it is situated on the Morro de São João, or 'Sain John Hill', and Morro de Babilônia, or 'Babylon Hill', and extends from Praça Cardeal Arcoverde - 'Cardinal Arcoverde Square', to an old fortified viaduct.

the important stretch of atlantic rainforest envelops all of the são joão hill, and remains an important element of the local ecology, being one of the last forested areas of this highly populated and vibrant district.

the reserve was registered as a park in 1984 and contains a pleasant mixture of trees, landscaped lawns and thick forest, providing a varied spread of natural delights. It is a protected area of flora and fauna, in which small paved paths are lined by beautifully designed gardens, flower beds and dense vegetation.