the history of santa teresa can be traced back almost as far as the origins of the city of rio de janeiro itself. originally called 'morro do desterro' (hill of the exiled), after one of it's earliest residents antonio gomes of exile, who in the 1629 errected a small chapel on the hill in honor of 'our lady of exile'.

the santa teresa neighborhood developed in the 18th century, in part as a result of spanish immigration and in part due to the establishment of a convent in place of the old chapel. the area was then renamed santa teresa in honor of the local 'convento de santa teresa', the first female monastery built in rio in 1750 by sisters jacinta and francisca rodrigues ayres.  this is the monastery visible from lapa just above the white arches and it is portrayed in many historical paintings of the city.

during the prosperous period at the turn of the last century, when brazil was the leading world producer and exporter of coffee, many of the coffee plantations landlords built and occupied large mansions in the area. the beautiful buildings, paired with the characteristic cobblestone streets created a beautiful, unique, and exclusive district.