Casa de Câmara e Cadeia: A Glimpse into Florianópolis's Past
Explore Florianópolis's history at the Casa de Câmara e Cadeia, now the City Museum, showcasing the city's past and cultural heritage.
The Casa de Câmara e Cadeia stands as one of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in Florianópolis. Constructed between 1771 and 1780, the building was designed by architect Tomás Francisco da Costa and initially served as the seat of municipal power and housed a prison. The lower floor was used as a jail for lawbreakers, slaves, rebels, and the mentally ill, while the upper floor housed the municipal council. Over the years, the building underwent several renovations, resulting in an eclectic style with Baroque elements by 1896. In 1930, after the State Penitentiary was opened, the prison was deactivated. The building was protected as a municipal heritage site in 1984 and was occupied by the Municipal Legislative Branch until 2005. Following a complete restoration in 2018, the building became the home of the Museu de Florianópolis. The museum showcases the city's history through interactive exhibits and displays, including archaeological artifacts discovered during the restoration.
Local tips
- Visit during the week for a quieter experience, as weekends can be crowded.
- Check the museum's website or social media for temporary exhibitions and special events.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Praça XV de Novembro, located next to the museum.
A brief summary to Casa de Câmara e Cadeia
- 242, R. dos Ilhéus, 194, Florianópolis, Centro, State of Santa Catarina, 88010-560, BR
Getting There
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Walking
The Casa de Câmara e Cadeia is located in the city center, next to Praça XV de Novembro. From most points in the central area, it is easily accessible by foot. Walking from the Mercado Público, head west along Rua Jerônimo Coelho, then turn left onto Rua dos Ilhéus. The museum will be on your right. No costs are involved.
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Public Transport
Florianópolis has a well-developed bus network. Several bus lines serve the city center. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient route to the 'Centro'. From the bus stop in the city center, walk along Rua dos Ilhéus to Praça XV de Novembro. The museum is located next to the square. A single bus fare costs around R$4.40.
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Taxi/Ride-sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Florianópolis. Simply request a ride to the 'Museu de Florianópolis' or 'Casa de Câmara e Cadeia' in the city center. A short taxi ride from nearby locations like the bus station or Beiramar Avenue will typically cost between R$15 and R$25.
