Vila Isabel

Vila Isabel is a middle-class neighbourhood in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Known for being one of the cradles of samba in Brazil, it is located in the subprefecture of Grande Tijuca (pt). Its music-themed Boulevard 28 de Setembro (pt) celebrates the neighbourhood's long musical heritage. The neighbourhood was named in honour of Brazilian Princess Isabel, renowned for abolishing slavery in Brazil. It is home to Unidos de Vila Isabel, one of the most traditional samba schools in Rio de Janeiro. Vila Isabel is surrounded by the neighbourhoods of Grajaú to the west; Maracanã to the east; Andaraí and Tijuca to the south; and Engenho Novo to the north, from which it is separated by the Serra do Engenho Novo. The total population of Vila Isabel was 65,790 in 2022. According to the 2010 census, the total population was 86,018 inhabitants (female 47,915 and male 38,103), but according to the 2022 census the population has diminished with 20,228. The area includes the favela Morro dos Macacos (pt), which together with the Parque Vila Isabel and Pau da Bandeira favelas, forms the so-called Complexo dos Macacos or Terreirinho.