Casa de Câmara e Cadeia, Florianópolis Travel Guide

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.