santa teresa is located on top of a hill known by some as morro de rio de janeiro (rio de janeiro hill), and it is one of the only districts in rio de janeiro located on a hill, but that is not a favela. originally founded in the eighteenth century, it was settled by wealthy families who built the stately colonial-style mansions and other structures of similar design that survive to this day and give santa teresa its signature charm. writers and artists have long been attracted to the area, and the creative and intellectual bent of its residents has become another of santa teresa's characteristic attributes, and added to the unique charm of this romantic neighborhood.