Florianopolis history

From Meiembipe to Desterro: The Birth of the City

The history of the place where Florianopolis stands today began long before the colonial era. Initially, these lands were inhabited by the Tupi-Guarani (Carijós) indigenous people, who called the island Meiembipe, which translates as "mountain along the channel." The city's European history dates back to 1673, when the bandeirante Francisco Dias Velho arrived from São Vicente and founded the permanent settlement of Nossa Senhora do Desterro. The choice of location was not accidental: the protected bay on the western side of the island was ideal for building a port and the first fortifications.

Geography and Trade as Growth Factors

The establishment of the city was dictated by its exceptional strategic position. Santa Catarina Island was located exactly halfway between Rio de Janeiro and the Rio de la Plata basin, becoming a key point for repairing ships and replenishing supplies of water and food.

• Military Outpost: For Portugal, the settlement served as a barrier against Spanish expansion to the south, which led to the construction of a powerful system of defensive forts.
• Trade Hub: The port of Desterro quickly became a centre of maritime trade, linking the southern regions with the rest of the colony, which subsequently became the country of Brazil.

Cultural Foundation and Early Economy

The appearance and spirit of the city were finally formed in the mid-18th century with the arrival of thousands of settlers from the Azores. This migration, organised by the Portuguese Crown to populate the territory, defined the economic and cultural way of life for centuries to come.

The early economy was based on three pillars: the cultivation of cassava for flour production, artisanal fishing, and whaling, which was one of the main royal monopolies of that time. The Azoreans brought their traditions to the city's daily life — from characteristic architecture and the art of lace-making to rich folklore, thanks to which the island later received the nickname "Island of Magic."

Key Milestones in the History of Florianopolis

• Around 1000 BC — Appearance of the first inhabitants on the island, known as the "Sambaqui people," who left behind characteristic shell mounds.
• Around 500 AD — The island is settled by Tupi-Guarani indigenous tribes, who called this place Meiembipe.
• 1542 — A Spanish expedition led by Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca lands on the island, naming it Santa Catarina Island.
• 1675 — Bandeirante Francisco Dias Velho founds the first permanent Portuguese settlement, named Nossa Senhora do Desterro.
• 1726, March 23 — The settlement receives the status of a vila (town), which is considered the official founding date of Florianopolis.
• 1748–1756 — Thousands of immigrants from the Azores arrive on the island to strengthen the Portuguese presence in southern Brazil, forever shaping the region's culture.
• 1823 — Desterro becomes the capital of the province of Santa Catarina.
• 1875 — Construction of the Customs House (Alfândega), an important architectural monument in the Neoclassical style, is completed.
• 1894 — Following the Federalist Revolution, the city of Desterro is renamed Florianopolis in honour of Marshal Floriano Peixoto, the second president of Brazil.
• 1922 — Construction begins on the Hercílio Luz Bridge, designed to connect the island to the mainland.
• 1926, May 13 — The grand opening of the Hercílio Luz Bridge takes place, becoming a symbol of the city and an engineering marvel of its time.
• 1970s — The city begins to actively develop as a tourist destination, attracting surfers and holidaymakers with its numerous beaches.
• 2019, December 21 — After years of reconstruction, the Hercílio Luz Bridge reopens to traffic, restoring its role in the life of the city.

Stages of Development: From Colonial Outpost to Technological Centre

• Construction of the Hercílio Luz Bridge (1926): This suspension bridge became the first land link between Santa Catarina Island and the mainland. Its opening was a key moment in urbanisation, radically changing logistics and trade, and accelerating the city's integration into the national economy. The bridge remains the main symbol of Florianopolis.
• Founding of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) (1960): The creation of the university turned Florianopolis into a major educational and scientific centre. This laid the foundation for the future technological revolution, attracted talent to the city, and contributed to cultural and intellectual development.
• Tourism Boom (1970s): With the development of infrastructure and the growing popularity of beach holidays, Florianopolis transformed into one of Brazil's main tourist destinations. Tourism became a leading economic sector, stimulating the construction of hotels, restaurants, and the service industry, especially in the north of the island.
• Development of Aquaculture (1980s): The city became the national leader in the cultivation of oysters and mussels. This strengthened its gastronomic reputation, later recognised by UNESCO, and created an important economic sector closely linked to traditional fishing.
• Emergence as a Tech Hub (1990s – 2000s): Thanks to a strong academic base (UFSC) and the creation of IT incubators, Florianopolis acquired the fame of the "Silicon Island" (Ilha do Silício). A powerful cluster of technology companies and startups formed in the city, diversifying the economy and attracting highly qualified specialists.
• Infrastructure Modernisation (1991 onwards): The opening of new bridges (Colombo Salles and Pedro Ivo Campos) and the subsequent large-scale renovation of Hercílio Luz International Airport were responses to the rapid growth in population and tourist flow. These projects improved transport accessibility and supported the city's status as a modern metropolis.
• Strengthening the "Island of Magic" Cultural Brand: Parallel to economic growth, the city actively developed its cultural identity. The nickname "Island of Magic", rooted in Azorean folklore, became an important part of its tourist appeal, highlighting the unique combination of nature, mysticism, and cultural heritage.

Architectural Appearance: A Blend of Eras and Styles

The architecture of Florianopolis represents a unique mosaic, where modest colonial houses and majestic buildings of the imperial era stand side by side with modern skyscrapers. The urban development of the city was dictated by the complex terrain of the island and the need for defence, creating a unique landscape where history can be read at every step.

Colonial Style and Azorean Influence (18th Century)

The earliest layer of architecture is associated with Portuguese colonisation and the island's strategic role as a military outpost of Brazil. This period is characterised by simplicity of form, functionality, and the strong influence of settlers from the Azores.

• Fortress Architecture: To defend against the Spanish, a system of forts was built (for example, São José da Ponta Grossa). These are massive stone structures with thick walls, bastions, and strict geometry.
• Azorean Houses: In historic districts such as Ribeirão da Ilha and Santo Antônio de Lisboa, traditional immigrant dwellings have been preserved. These are single-storey houses with facades facing directly onto the street, featuring gable roofs and bright, contrasting colours on window frames and doors.
• Religious Structures: Churches of this period, such as the Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Necessidades, are executed in a restrained Portuguese style with Baroque elements.

Eclecticism and Neoclassicism (19th — Early 20th Century)

With the acquisition of the status of provincial capital and economic growth, the city began to transform. "Desterro" strove to look European, leading to the appearance of public buildings with rich decoration, inspired by French and Italian models.

• Cruz e Sousa Palace: A shining example of eclecticism with strong Baroque and Neoclassical influences. The building stands out for its pink facade, abundance of stucco moulding, statues, and allegorical figures on the parapet.
• Public Market (Mercado Público): Built in the late 19th century, it combines utility with Neoclassical aesthetics. Its yellow walls and arched openings have become a hallmark of the city centre.
• Customs House (Alfândega): A strict and harmonious example of Neoclassical architecture, symbolising the commercial power of the port at that time.

Modernism and Contemporary Urbanism (20th — 21st Century)

In the 20th century, the city stepped into the era of modernisation. The construction of the Hercílio Luz Bridge (steel engineering architecture) kickstarted the city's expansion. The second half of the century saw active verticalisation of the centre and development of coastal zones.

• Reclaimed Land (Aterro da Baía Sul): A large-scale urban planning project of the 1970s that expanded the centre's area by reclaiming land from the sea, creating space for new roads and a bus terminal, although it distanced the historic centre from the water.
• Resort Architecture: In the north of the island (Jurerê Internacional), a style of modern elite residences developed — open layouts, panoramic glazing, and landscape design integrated into nature.
• Modern Centre: Along Avenida Beira-Mar Norte, a "forest" of high-rise glass and concrete buildings has grown, reflecting the city's status as a business and technological hub.

Prominent Figures Associated with Florianopolis

The history and culture of Florianopolis have been shaped by many talented and influential people. Here are just a few who left a significant mark on the history of the city and all of Brazil:

• Victor Meirelles (1832–1903) — Painter. A native of what was then Desterro, Meirelles became one of the greatest Brazilian painters of the 19th century. His monumental canvas "The First Mass in Brazil" is one of the most recognisable works of art in the country. His childhood home in the city centre now houses a museum.
• João da Cruz e Sousa (1861–1898) — Poet. The son of freed slaves, he became a central figure in Brazilian Symbolism. His poignant verses, filled with themes of spirituality, pain, and racial issues, had a huge influence on Brazilian literature. The state's main history museum, the Cruz e Sousa Palace, is named in his honour.
• Antonieta de Barros (1901–1952) — Educator, journalist, and politician. Born in Florianopolis, she went down in history as the first black woman elected to a state legislature in Brazil. She dedicated her life to fighting for quality education for all and for women's rights, and also established Teacher's Day in the state of Santa Catarina.
• Franklin Cascaes (1908–1983) — Folklorist, writer, and artist. Cascaes dedicated his life to researching and preserving the unique Azorean culture of Santa Catarina Island. It was thanks to his meticulous work collecting legends about witches, werewolves, and other mystical stories that Florianopolis gained its famous nickname — "Island of Magic" (Ilha da Magia).
• Gustavo "Guga" Kuerten (born 1976) — Tennis player. A native of Florianopolis, Guga is one of the greatest athletes in Brazilian history. He was the world number one, won the French Open (Roland Garros) three times, and brought fame to his hometown across the globe.
• Floriano Peixoto (1839–1895) — Military and political figure. Although the second president of Brazil was not a native of the city, his name is inextricably linked to it. In 1894, after the suppression of the Federalist Revolution, the city of Desterro was renamed Florianopolis in honour of the Marshal, forever securing his place in the history of the Santa Catarina capital.