The name of the community originates from a statue of the Virgin Mary which is held in a chapel at the peak of the hill, thought to have been brought to the community by a resident in the early years of the 20th Century. There are well-loved lookouts towards the top of the favela, which offer privileged views of Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, a wide stretch of Rio's golden beaches and the ever-twinkling Lagoa.

In homage to the history, culture and environment of the community there is an Ecomuseum situated on the mound, which celebrates the everyday lives and achievements of residents, and works to inculcate community pride.

The community has perhaps the greatest celebrity status, having provided the backdrop to music videos by Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys and Beyoncé, and having received illustrious visits from the former President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, as well as Madonna. In homage to their celebrity, there is a bronze statue of Michael Jackson, implanted in the heart of the community a year after his death in 2010.