at a glance

vila da penha is a residential neighborhood in the zona norte (north zone) of rio de janeiro, located within the administrative region  of  iraja. surrounding neighborhoods include vila cosmos, vicente de carvalho and irajá. the bairro (neighborhood) was named after the penha rock, which in colonial times obstructed early settlers from reaching their desired destination of the district iraja.

in the past  vila da penha consisted of sugarcane plantations. in the early eighteenth century, when the demand for sugarcane declined, farmers sold their property and consolidated farmlands. this is what led to the urbanization of vila da penha.

the industrial improvement company of brazil built two major roads through vila da penha - quitungo and meriti brás de pina. the improved access assisted in further developed the region. at the intersection of the two streets, is the downtown area of vila de penha, called the largo. this is where residents and visitors can enjoy eateries, recreational areas and small markets.

vila da penha, a predominantly residential neighborhood facilitates ogoing improvement of the quality of life of its residents.