Florianopolis Landmarks and Monuments

(Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil)

Central Florianopolis is packed with character, being filled with interesting alleyways, historical buildings and prominent landmarks, many of which are to be found surrounding the spacious plaza named the Praca XV de Novembro.

Overlooking and rather dominating the Praca XV de Novembro is the Catedral Metropolitana, which remains one of the most elegant landmarks in Florianopolis and is dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Desterro (Our Lady of Exile). The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary) is another important historical landmark in Florianopolis, as are the coastal fortresses and the iconic Ponte Hercilio Luz (Hercilio Luz Bridge).

Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral)

Address: Praca XV de Novembro, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, BR
The city's cathedral has a long and interesting history and although completed in the latter part of the 18th century, the Catedral Metropolitana actually stands on the site of a much older chapel, built in 1679. Recently restored, the cathedral continues to impress visitors with its historic architecture, which contrasts greatly with some nearby modern buildings. The collection of sacred art is also worth checking out, as well as the German pipe organ (1924) and the stained-glass windows (1949) from Sao Paulo.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, donations suggested

Ponte Hercilio Luz (Hercilio Luz Bridge)

Address: Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, BR
Something of a symbol of the city, the Ponte Hercilio Luz was completed in 1926, when it became the first ever bridge to connect the mainland with the island of Santa Catarina. After completion, this suspension bridge ranked in the world's top 100 largest of its kind and still looks impressive today, which its central span stretching for around 340 metres / 1,115 feet. However, in 1991, after escalating maintenance costs and the need for some serious repair work, it was decided to close the Hercilio Luz Bridge to traffic and so it remains here, with its future as yet undecided.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary)

Address: Escadaria do Rosário, Rua Trajano / Rua Marechal Guilherme, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, BR
An extremely well-preserved colonial church, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário is to be found at the top of the Escadaria do Rosário (Staircase of the Rosary) at the Rua Trajano, where it boasts subtle baroque architecture, with a simple yellow and white facade. Construction of the church began in 1787, although it was not until 1830 when it was finally completed and began being used as a very attractive place of worship. From the top of the staircase you can enjoy some stunning views of the cityscape and for that reason, this spot has always been popular with artists, such as Victor Meirelles de Lima, who painted this view in the 19th century.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Forts / Fortresses

Address: Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, BR
Florianopolis is a city of great history and due to its coastal setting, it was necessary to build a number of fortresses to defend the city against possible attack from the Spanish. Therefore several fortresses were built around the shoreline during the 18th century, the most prominent of which include the following:

• Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao (Fort of Our Lady of the Conception) -1742
• Fortaleza de Santo Antonio (Fort of St. Anthony) - 1740
• Fortaleza Santana (Fort of St. Anne) - 1761
• Fortaleza Sao José da Ponta Grossa (Fort of St. Joseph of Ponta Grossa) - 1740

Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Praca XV de Novembro

Address: Praca XV de Novembro, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, BR
The Praca XV de Novembro forms the heart of Florianopolis and is surrounded by some very handsome buildings and landmarks, such as the Museu Historico de Santa Catarina (History Museum of Santa Catarina). This lively square has become a popular place for locals to hang out and socialise, particularly around its giant fig tree, which is said to be well over a century old. A series of shady walks surround the Praca XV de Novembro, while nearby are a plentiful selection of shops, cafes and bars.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free