originally a rural area, at the beginning of the 20th century the region of madueira was allotted to provide housing for those, who lost their homes in demolitions during the comprehensive reform of the downown area, as  promoted by mayor pereira passos.

during that period there was no theatres, cinemas, clubs or cabarets, so the newly arrived residents gathered in bars and terraces. these meetings eventually sparked the formation of one of the city's first samba schools, soon to be renamed 'portela' which became a major draw point of the area.

the madueira market is the commercial heart of the neighborhood. the first stalls were opened in 1914 and the market was expanded in 1929. in 1959 it was moved to its crrent location in the minister edgar romero avenue. it remains the largest traditional market in brazil, and one of the most recognizable features of the neighborhood, being locally known as 'marcadão', 'big market' in portuguese.