Realengo Revealed
An academic exploration of Realengo, from its imperial origins to its contemporary socio-environmental landscape within Rio de Janeiro's West Zone.
Explore Realengo ๐ Uncover History ๐Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Overview
A Distinct Rio Neighborhood
Realengo is a prominent neighborhood situated within the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Characterized by its lower and middle-class demographics, it is geographically nestled between the majestic Mendanha and Pedra Branca mountain ranges. This strategic location contributes to its unique microclimate, often experiencing the city's highest temperatures, yet paradoxically, its winter nights can be notably cool due to the mountainous proximity. Administratively, Realengo constitutes the XXXIII Administrative Region, encompassing its central area and surrounding eastern territories.
Founding and Imperial Legacy
The neighborhood of Realengo was formally established on November 20, 1815. This date is annually commemorated as the "Week of Realengo," a period of celebration for the community. Historically, Realengo held significant importance during the Brazilian Empire. Emperors Pedro I and Pedro II frequently traversed the Estrada Real de Santa Cruz (Royal Road of Santa Cruz) en route to the Santa Cruz farm, often making stops and staying within Realengo, underscoring its historical connection to the imperial court.
Human Development Metrics
According to a comprehensive survey conducted in 2000 by the Instituto Pereira Passos (Pereira Passos Institute) in collaboration with the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, Realengo achieved the 89th position in the national Human Development Index (HDI) ranking. This metric provides insight into the socio-economic development and quality of life experienced by its inhabitants, reflecting various indicators such as life expectancy, education, and income levels.
History
Origins as Royal Lands
The designation "Realengos," or royal lands, traces its etymology to the territorial conquests associated with the discovery of Brazil. According to historical accounts, these lands were initially granted by a Royal Charter issued on June 27, 1814, by John VI of Portugal, then a prince. The grants were bestowed upon the Senate of Rio de Janeiro, specifically for lands located in Campo Grande. The primary purpose of these "realengos" was to serve as grazing areas for cattle, thereby supplying meat to the city's butchers. A critical stipulation of this charter was the explicit prohibition of any sale of these lands, mandating that the Senate survey and prepare them solely for their designated agricultural use.
Land Tenure and Development
Despite the initial prohibition on sale or lease, the Senate of Rio de Janeiro, by a provision dated July 18, 1814, assumed jurisdiction over lands along the Estrada da Santa Cruz (Road of Saint Cross) extending to depths exceeding twenty fathoms. Subsequently, leveraging the charter of June 27 and a royal notice from the Prince Regent (later Dom Joรฃo VI) on December 20, 1815, the Senate permitted tenure only for specific portions of land along the Estrada de Santa Cruz, up to a maximum depth of 20 fathoms, not encompassing the entirety of Realengo.
Early Settlement and Economy
The initial settlement of Realengo was orchestrated by order of Prince Regent Dom Joรฃo, who later became Dom Joรฃo VI. The first inhabitants included enslaved individuals and immigrants from the Portuguese Azores islands. These settlers were primarily engaged in agriculture, focusing on cattle grazing and the cultivation of products such as sugar, molasses, alcohol, and rum, which were then transported to the port of Guaratiba. Historical research indicates that only a single mill operated within Realengo, suggesting that raw agricultural products were largely processed at other properties.
Tragic Event of 2011
On April 7, 2011, Realengo was the site of a profound tragedy when a 23-year-old former student, Wellington Menezes Oliveira, perpetrated a mass shooting at the Tasso da Silveira elementary public school. This horrific event resulted in the deaths of 12 students. The school, which served approximately 800 students as of 2011, is a significant educational institution within the neighborhood.[1][2]
Geography
Positional Context
Realengo is strategically positioned within the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, sharing its borders with several other notable neighborhoods. These include Bangu, Padre Miguel, Senador Camará, Jacarepaguá, Taquara, Magalhães Bastos, Vila Militar, and Jardim Sulacap, all within the West Zone. Additionally, it borders Ricardo de Albuquerque and Parque Anchieta in the North Zone, and the municipality of Nilópolis in the Baixada Fluminense region.[3] This extensive network of borders highlights Realengo's central role and connectivity within the broader metropolitan area.
Urban Green Spaces
Beyond its residential and commercial areas, Realengo is notable for its numerous public squares, which serve as vital spaces for leisure and community gatherings. A study conducted by the Pereira Passos Institute identified 52 such public squares within the neighborhood, underscoring a commitment to urban green infrastructure and communal areas for its residents.
Climate
Temperature Extremes and Precipitation
Realengo experiences a tropical climate, characterized by distinct temperature patterns and precipitation levels throughout the year. The neighborhood is known for recording some of the highest temperatures in Rio de Janeiro, particularly during the summer months. Conversely, its proximity to the surrounding mountains often leads to cooler winter nights, creating a notable diurnal temperature variation. Precipitation is concentrated in the warmer months, with a drier period during the winter.
Public Health
Healthcare Infrastructure
Realengo is equipped with a robust public health infrastructure designed to serve its substantial population. The State Hospital Albert Schweitzer plays a critical role, providing medical services to approximately 700,000 inhabitants in the region. This facility is a cornerstone of healthcare access for the community.
Affiliated and Specialized Care
In addition to public services, Realengo benefits from private healthcare providers. The Realcordis Hospital is a notable institution, affiliated with the Rede D'Or, a prominent hospital network. Furthermore, the São Miguel Hospital has replaced the former Serv Baby Maternity and Hospital, indicating an evolution in specialized care offerings. The presence of a UPA 24H (Unidade de Pronto Atendimento 24 Horas - Emergency Service Unit) ensures immediate medical attention for urgent cases, enhancing the overall emergency response capabilities within the neighborhood.
Nature
Atlantic Forest Remnants
Realengo is distinguished by its significant natural heritage, retaining valuable remnants of the Atlantic Forest. These preserved areas are primarily found within military zones, mountainous terrains, and undeveloped fields. This ecological richness provides a crucial habitat for a diverse array of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
Biodiversity and Conservation
The preserved rainforest sections in Realengo are vital for biodiversity. They are home to endangered animals such as the Golden Lion Tamarin, armadillos, macaws, crowned kinglets, and monkey frogs. The flora is equally rich, featuring exquisite orchids, bromelias, and a variety of other native plant species. These ecosystems represent critical conservation areas within an urbanized landscape.
Parque da Pedra Branca
A significant natural landmark is the Parque da Pedra Branca (White Rock Park), which serves as an access point to the Maciço da Pedra Branca (Massif of White Rock). A branch of this state park, specifically the Piraquara branch in the Serra do Barata (where the Fernandes Barata family farm was once located), was inaugurated on October 17, 2009, by Governor Sérgio Cabral Filho. This initiative involved a substantial investment of R$786,000.00 (seven hundred eighty-six thousand reais) for essential equipment, including water tanks and springs. Furthermore, a Firemen's post operates within the reserve to ensure its protection and maintain ecological order.
Education
Key Educational Institutions
Realengo is home to several educational institutions, serving the academic needs of its younger population. A notable example is the Municipal School Tasso da Silveira, a public elementary school located within the neighborhood. As of 2011, this institution provided education to approximately 800 students, highlighting its role as a significant center for primary education in the community.[1]
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "Realengo" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional urban planning, historical research, environmental science, or public health consultation. Always refer to official government and academic sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific inquiries or project needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.