to the south, just beyond these islands, is mainland niterói. the important local harbor is enveloped by the neighborhoods of ponta d'areia, santana and barreto, which are also those which are closer, in relative terms, to the santa cruz island.

having remained somewhat untouched while 'ilha do viana' was dug up in order to create the shipyards, santa cruz was, instead, used to build the chateaus where the owners of the larger local industries lived.

still standing is the building which belonged to sir roland frederic william hodge, a very well-succeeded entrepreneur who owned several industries in the area during the first half of the 20th century.