babilônia has its heralded claim to fame - home to the location of one of the scenes from orfeu negro (black orpheus), a film by marcelo camus, which won the golden palm at the cannes film festival and the oscar for best foreign film in 1960.

the mound used to be a key military strategic point so, along the popular trail, there are still bunkers from the second world war, remnants of the period when brazil was under threat of nazi submarine attacks - there are also older ruins on the ascent which are thought to originate from the period of colonization.

nowadays, there are a number of trendy bars, hostels and eateries located on the morro, including estrelas da babilônia, situated high up on the mountain, which offers an array of snacks, juices and cocktails, a resident dj and sensational panoramic views.

morro da babilônia provides an enriching cocktail of history, cultural insight, botany and fauna, as well as uniquely memorable views of the city.