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Museu Histórico de Santa Catarina
Formerly the colonial governor’s palace, this gorgeous must-see building has ornate parquet floors and extravagant 19th-century ceilings.
©Maximilian Müller/Getty Images
Centro & the Mainland
There are two faces to Florianópolis (Floripa). On the mainland, the industrial zone occupies the districts of Estreito and Coqueiros. Across the bay, the island holds the historic center (Centro) and the chic district of Beira-Mar Norte. Two picturesque bridges link these halves. The old suspension bridge, the Ponte Hercílio Luz, is no longer open to traffic, but it still lights the night sky, acting as the defining feature of Floripa’s spectacular skyline.
Explore Centro & the Mainland
- MMuseu Histórico de Santa Catarina
Formerly the colonial governor’s palace, this gorgeous must-see building has ornate parquet floors and extravagant 19th-century ceilings.
- MMercado Público
Floripa's historic public market bolted out of a huge refurbishment in 2015 with an improved look. It houses numerous bars and restaurants in addition to…
- CCatedral Metropolitana
You’ll hear the hourly ringing of bells in the Catedral Metropolitana, which sits grandly at the high end of the square and is the only church we've ever…
- PPraça XV de Novembro
The center of town is the inviting Praça XV de Novembro, with its shady walks and 100-year-old fig tree.
- IIgreja de NS do Rosário
The best-preserved colonial church, Igreja de NS do Rosário, sits picturesquely atop the steps at Rua Trajano.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Centro & the Mainland.
See
Museu Histórico de Santa Catarina
Formerly the colonial governor’s palace, this gorgeous must-see building has ornate parquet floors and extravagant 19th-century ceilings.
See
Mercado Público
Floripa's historic public market bolted out of a huge refurbishment in 2015 with an improved look. It houses numerous bars and restaurants in addition to…
See
Catedral Metropolitana
You’ll hear the hourly ringing of bells in the Catedral Metropolitana, which sits grandly at the high end of the square and is the only church we've ever…
See
Praça XV de Novembro
The center of town is the inviting Praça XV de Novembro, with its shady walks and 100-year-old fig tree.
See
Igreja de NS do Rosário
The best-preserved colonial church, Igreja de NS do Rosário, sits picturesquely atop the steps at Rua Trajano.
Guidebooks
Learn more about Centro & the Mainland
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