About the Metropolitan Cathedral of Florianópolis in Florianópolis, Brazil:
Officially known as Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora do Desterro e Santa Catarina de Alexandria, this is the main Catholic church and seat of the Archdiocese of Florianópolis in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The site traces back to the early settlement of the area (then Vila de Nossa Senhora do Desterro). Around 1673–1679, bandeirante Francisco Dias Velho built a small initial chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Exile (Nossa Senhora do Desterro) on the location. The parish was formally established in 1712.
A larger church (Igreja Matriz) was designed by Brigadier José da Silva Paes (governor and military engineer) and constructed between 1753 and 1773, replacing the earlier structure. It served as the main parish church. In 1908, with the creation of the Diocese of Florianópolis, it was elevated to cathedral status. Major renovations occurred in 1922 for the centenary of Brazilian Independence, expanding the nave (adding a transept), modifying the towers, and adding neoclassical porticoes (alpendres), giving it much of its current appearance.
It is listed as national and state heritage (tombado by IPHAN and the state/municipality).
The cathedral features a dominant neoclassical style with Baroque, Rococo, and other influences from its history. It has an imposing yellow façade, twin bell towers, and stands prominently facing Praça XV de Novembro (in Largo São João Paulo II).
Key elements include:Interior highlights: Seven altars with neoclassical lines, an original stone arch (arco cruzeiro), and elaborate wooden doors (e.g., in the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Dores).
Amongst its most notable features are a life-size wooden sculpture of the Flight into Egypt (Fuga para o Egito), hand-carved from cedar by Tyrolean artist Ferdinand Demetz (installed and blessed in 1902); Stained glass windows: Made in São Paulo, installed in 1949: German Speith Orgelbau pipe organ from 1924 (with various stops and around 1,100 pipes; later modified; seven bells (the largest set in Latin America at installation in 1922), including gifts from Emperor Dom Pedro II; a carillon with German bells. A clock was added in 1897.
Recent restorations (including one completed around 2025) have uncovered or refreshed historic sacred paintings and improved structural, facade, lighting, and sound elements.
Traveling to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Florianópolis in Florianópolis, Brazil:
The Cathedral is near Praça XV de Novembro and generally open daily (e.g., mornings to evenings; varies by day). Free entry; guided tours may be available for groups. Be sure to check their website for latest information.
Address:Rua Padre Miguelinho, 55, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88010-550
Phone: +55 48 3224-3357 / +55 (48) 99114-9448
email:secretaria@catedralflorianopolis.org.br
Visit the official website of the Cathedral in Florianópolis, Brazil.