Once again looking in my vault of pictures found one picture, only one that I can find but worth mentioning in my blog. This was the desire to see more of the place of I was living as an expat in the areas surrounding Curitiba, (see posts). The locals told me about it so with my Chevy Prisma car took off into the countryside of the State of Santa Catarina. And I found Florianopolis! Therefore, let me tell you a bit on this is Florianopolis, Brazil !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
The City of Florianópolis or Floripa as call by locals is the capital of the State of Santa Catarina since 1823, located on the island of Santa Catarina. Florianópolis is a renowned tourist destination in southern Brazil, particularly due to its numerous beaches. It is ,also, one of the economic centers of the South Region, It is 463 km from Porto Alegre, 153 km from Blumenau, and 307 km from Curitiba from where I came from by car along the 376 road in Paranà state and same road changes to 101 highway in Santa Catarina state all the way to Floripa,
You have great spots here such as the Largo da Alfândega surrounded by historic buildings, including the Municipal Public Market (see pic) opened in 1898 and one of the main retail outlets for local products in Florianópolis. The area of approximately 6,000 square meters, and dates back to the late 18C and early 19C, The square housed the Alfândega, a customs checkpoint for goods entering and leaving the city. Over time, the square and the Alfândega building underwent several renovations and currently houses the Centro da Cultura Popular and Galeria do Artesanato project, which aims to preserve and enhance the culture of Santa Catarina, opening space for around 120 artisans from the entire state of Santa Catarina. The space of Praça da Alfândega and the Municipal Public Market, two major tourist attractions in the city. A must-see in Floripa, this beautiful, colorful colonial building, built in 1899, surrounds an open patio in the heart of the historic center. It’s a popular and lively spot, ideal for lunch during a visit to City center/downtown Florianópolis. The botecos’ outdoor tables, the colors and aromas of spices, fish, meat, and stalls create images of an authentic Brazil, as this is where artists, intellectuals, and onlookers gather to chat over a drink. There are also some handicrafts on display. Close to the site, there are several private parking options. Rizzo parking or Paré Facil.
The app Rizzo parking is best : https://www.rizzoparking.com.br/
The app Paré Facil : https://parefacil.net.br/app/
Other things to see here with more time as mine was just two way trip same day are the Cruz e Sousa Palace, at Plaza XV de Novembro restored in 1894 and 1898, former residence of the state governor, now houses a museum; the Hercílio-Luz suspension bridge, which connects the island to the mainland, built between 1922 and 1926; the Metropolitan Cathedral, built in 1753. Its two towers were added over the centuries and its bells were added in 1922. At the time, the cathedral had the largest set of bells in South America with a weight of 5.8 tons; the Praça Quinze de Novembro square and its hundred-year-old fig tree. The São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress, the several lagoons such as the Lagoa da Conceição and the Morro das Sete Voltas. the Lagoa of Dentro, and the Lagoa of Fora. The coast of this region, which has been awarded with 42 breathtaking beaches surfing, kitesurfing and sailing, such as Joaquina and Praia Mole, beaches to enjoy with the family, such as Daniela beach, less popular and with calm waters; beaches like Campeche, which offer, in addition to a stunning view, the possibility of visiting Campeche Island and also more popular beaches, such as Jurerê Internacional beach, in a neighborhood with refined restaurants, attracting many young people with one of the liveliest nights in the region. Other beaches such as Brava, Canasvieira, Armação, Lagoinha, Matadeiro, Ingleses and do Forte offer diverse experiences, proving that there will be no shortage of options.
A bit of history tell us that the area was inhabited before colonization by the Tupi-Guarani Indians, and later by a few deserters from maritime expeditions, the city was founded around 1675 by Francisco Dias Velho, under the name Nossa Senhora do Desterro or Our Lady of Exile, an allusion to the patron saint of the town, thus initiating the occupation of the island. On March 23, 1726, the settlement was elevated to the rank of town. It was not until 1747 that Florianópolis experienced its first significant wave of immigration. Between 1747 and 1756, Portuguese people from the Azores archipelago came to settle on the island and the state’s coastline. The name Florianópolis was given to it in 1894 in homage to Marshal Floriano Peixoto.
The Brazil National Tourist Office on Florianopolis : https://visitbrasil.com/en/location/florianopolis-en/
The local Florianopolis tourist office on things to do : https://en.guiafloripa.com.br/cidade
The private Guia Santa Catarina on Florianopolis : https://guiasantacatarina.com.br/florianopolis/
There you go folks, one of the nice trips I made while living there and always a pleasant memory with many friends still in contact with me. Get to see the country and get to know the country better, it works all the time for me! Again, hope you enjoy the post on this is Florianopolis, Brazil !!! as I.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 