penha became well known for being the place where famous sportsmen such as soccer players gonçalves, athirson, adriano and goalkeeper julio cesar were born.

the neighborhood is one of the older settlements of the city, which was built around a magnificent church, at the top of a hill, in penha's center.

the church, igreja de nossa senhora da penha de frança, was constructed in 1635, and is famous for its lofty location, and the 382 steps that lead up to its entrance.