Palácio Cruz e Sousa: A Glimpse into Santa Catarina's History

The Palácio Cruz e Sousa, formerly known as the Palácio Rosado, has been home to the Santa Catarina Historical Museum since 1986. Situated in the heart of Florianópolis, fronting the Praça XV de Novembro, the palace once served as the seat of the state government. Constructed in the mid-18th century, the building initially served as the government house for the Captaincy of Santa Catarina. Over the centuries, it underwent several renovations, most notably between 1894 and 1898, which gave it the eclectic architectural style it retains today. The palace is named in honor of João da Cruz e Sousa, a famous symbolist poet from Santa Catarina. The palace's architecture is a blend of baroque, neoclassical, and art nouveau styles. The exterior is adorned with ten allegorical statues created by Italian artist Gabriel Silva. Inside, visitors can admire Carrara marble staircases, bronze statues of medieval knights, and a stunning Art Nouveau stained-glass window. The museum's collection includes furniture, paintings, documents, and other artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries. Visiting the Palácio Cruz e Sousa offers a captivating glimpse into the history and culture of Santa Catarina. The museum provides virtual tours with audio guides in multiple languages.