at a glance

Oswaldo Cruz has a longstanding relationship with samba, as the successful samba school, Portela, was founded here in 1923, giving expression to the marginalized Afro-Brazilian residents of the region. It was named after Paulo da Portela, one of the most influential figures in the quintessentially Brazilian genre. A statue of him was erected in the square that bears his name in 1956.

There are several small establishments dotted around Oswaldo Cruz which are popular amongst locals and tourists, such as Thunder Lan House, which is a lan house and café, Jumbo Hotel and Padaria São Miguel, or 'San Miguel Bakery'. A few easy to locate churches and shops also dot the district.

In March of 2015, to celebrate Rio's 450th birthday, Oswaldo Cruz was made the third administrative headquarters of the Municipal Government of Rio. The headquarters are situated in an old mansion dating back to the 1920s, which has been named Palácio Rio 450, or 'Rio Palace 450'.