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Catedral Metropolitana de Florianopolis

The 1773 white cathedral on the city's founding square, and the calmest room in central Florianopolis.

Where
florianopolis
Time needed
45 min visit
Tickets
Free
Free entry
Yes
White cathedral facade of the Catedral Metropolitana on Praca XV White cathedral facade of the Catedral Metropolitana on Praca XV

What to expect at Catedral Metropolitana de Florianopolis

The Catedral Metropolitana faces Praca XV de Novembro, the square where the city of Florianopolis was founded in 1673 as Nossa Senhora do Desterro. The current building dates from 1773, with a nineteenth-century facade in the whitewashed colonial style that survives in patches around the historic centre. It matters as the calm counterweight to the market and the ferry docks nearby — a working church that visitors can quietly step into any weekday, still with its original wooden altar behind glass.

Inside, the nave is single and narrow, with a high blue-painted ceiling and confessionals down each side. The right-hand chapel holds a wood carving of Nossa Senhora do Desterro that gives the city its old name. Behind the main altar, a small side door leads to a corridor where the parish has hung old photographs of the pre-1970s waterfront — worth a glance because most of that shoreline is gone under fill. Mass is at 07:00, 12:00 and 18:00 weekdays, and the noon mass is usually only a handful of regulars. There is no ticket, no queue and no photograph ban.

Best combined with a walking loop of the historic centre: Praca XV with the 200-year-old Higueira tree in the middle, the Palacio Cruz e Souza (the pink governor's palace, now a museum) opposite, and the Mercado Publico three blocks north. Skip visiting during mass unless you’ll stay quietly. In December the cathedral hosts free evening choral concerts on some Thursdays — check the notice board at the entrance.

Plan your visit TicketsFree Free entryYes Time needed45 min visit Whereflorianopolis Opening hours Mon-Fri 7:30-19:00 Sat 7:30-13:00 and 16:00-19:00 Sun 7:30-12:00 and 16:00-19:00 Hotels near Catedral Metropolitana de Florianopolis

Questions about Catedral Metropolitana de Florianopolis

How much does the cathedral cost?

Free. Donations are welcome at the entrance box.

When is it free?

Every open hour; there is never a charge.

How long to visit?

Thirty to forty-five minutes.

Any closed days?

Open every day but hours are shorter on Sundays; closed to visits during Sunday morning mass.

Do I need to book?

No booking is needed at any time.

How do I get there?

TICEN bus terminal is 400 m; walk south to Praca XV de Novembro, the cathedral is on the west side.

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