Vila Militar

History

The origins of Vila Militar date back to 1904, when the Brazilian federal government identified the need to renovate the facilities of the Escola Militar. At the same time, a commission studied the overall reorganisation of the Brazilian Army, focusing on providing adequate space and infrastructure for practical training and military life. The project gained traction under President Rodrigues Alves and was overseen by Minister Hermes da Fonseca. On 19 August 1907, a commission was appointed to oversee the construction of Vila Militar. Among its members was Lieutenant Colonel Antônio Leite de Magalhães Bastos, after whom the neighbouring Magalhães Bastos neighbourhood is named. Another notable figure was Manoel Guina, a Portuguese master builder who moved from São Paulo and became one of the area's early pioneers. In 1908, the government purchased the Sapopemba farm, previously owned by Count Sebastião de Pinho, to enable the construction of the neighbourhood. That same year, work on the barracks commenced. By 1911, the Aeroclube do Brasil (Brazilian Aeroclub), the country’s first aviation organisation, began operations in Vila Militar. It was founded by aviation enthusiasts, with Alberto Santos Dumont as its honorary president and Lieutenant Ricardo Kirk—one of Brazil's earliest licensed pilots—among its members. The aeroclub played a significant role in the neighbourhood’s expansion, eventually leading to the establishment of Brazil’s first airbase, located in Campo dos Afonsos. Construction of the barracks and residential areas resumed in 1915, following the reorganisation of the Brazilian Army. In the early 21st century, Vila Militar hosted key events such as the 2007 Pan American Games, the 2011 Military World Games, and the 2016 Summer Olympics, leading to…

Most-observed species

• Great Kiskadee

  Pitangus sulphuratus (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  17,413
• Sayaca Tanager

  Thraupis sayaca (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  16,504
• Plain Parakeet

  Brotogeris tirica (Gmelin, 1788) · Aves
  13,675
• Pale-breasted Thrush

  Turdus leucomelas Vieillot, 1818 · Aves
  12,042
• Bananaquit

  Coereba flaveola (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  10,405
• Rufous-bellied Thrush

  Turdus rufiventris Vieillot, 1818 · Aves
  9,315
• Southern House Wren

  Troglodytes musculus J.F.Naumann, 1823 · Aves
  9,112
• Rufous-browed Peppershrike

  Cyclarhis gujanensis (Gmelin, 1789) · Aves
  8,041