in 1872 the prestigious neighborhood opened the very first electric tram line in the country - the bonde, as it is referred to, became and remains a symbol of santa teresa. in its more recent history the community has succesfully rallied to maintain the iconic street cars and visitors can explore its history at the museu do bonde. following the decline of the coffee trade, many of the mansions were vacated. with the wealthy society migrating into other parts of town, a new and dynamic wave of artists and intellectuals moved in, attracted by the esthetic of the neighborhood and making their mark. one of these mansions, called now parque das ruínas, was recently converted in a space for art expositions and cultural events, and it also happens to offer a truly spectacular 360-degree view of the city - not to be missed.