Morro do Castelo

Morro do Castelo is a hill in Rio de Janeiro that rises about 300 meters (1,000 feet) above sea level and sits surrounded by the city on all sides. Its summit provides wide-ranging views across the urban landscape and out toward the Atlantic Ocean.

Portuguese colonists built their first fortified settlement on this hill during the 16th century, using it as a defensive position to monitor potential threats from the ocean. This stronghold became the foundation of European settlement in Rio.

The hill has served as a spiritual gathering place for generations, with local communities practicing religious rituals and ceremonies on its slopes. Visitors today can see remnants of old chapels and sacred sites that reflect the enduring role this location plays in the area's spiritual life.

The hill is reachable by bus from various neighborhoods or on foot depending on your starting point. Wear sturdy shoes for the climb, as the steepness varies depending on which path you choose.

The hill contains a network of underground tunnels from the colonial period, originally constructed for water supply and protected passageways. Parts of these hidden passages remain accessible today and demonstrate the engineering skills of that era.