São Francisco, Niterói


São Francisco is one of the 48 neighborhoods in which the Brazilian city of Niterói is divided. As of 2000, its population was 9,654.
Its name derives from the church consecrated to Saint Francis Xavier and references to it can be found as early as the 17th century. The São Francisco Ensenada, also known as "saco" de São Francisco", was an important source of fish for both the Indians and the Portuguese.
In the 19th century, an important road existed, connecting the neighborhood of Icaraí, across the Morro do Cavalão, to Charitas and then across the Morro da Viração to Piratininga, on the Ocean shore.
The population of approximately 9,620 represents 2.21% of Niterói's total population. No slums exist in the neighborhood. São Francisco is also the home of Marcelo Morcego and Rico Chilinque.
The São Francisco waterfront is famous for its concentration of bars, restaurants and night clubs, being the beating heart of Niterói's nightlife.