Bica da Carioca

Built in 1840 by the City Council, the “Bica da Carioca” was for more than a century the main source of water for local residents. In addition to meeting daily needs, this place became a lively meeting point and a true gem of socialization, where water carriers' kites were filled and distributed throughout the city in carts pulled by donkeys or horses.

Located in the charming Historic Center of São José, at the back and to the left of the Mother Church, “Bica da Carioca” is surrounded by a picturesque shaded square. Its source emerges from a lush area, full of dense vegetation. The land is walled at the back, where a water reservoir was built. The emblematic prism-shaped roof, crowned by a rounded capital, attracts the attention of visitors. Directly in front, protected by a roof, there is a niche accompanied by a bench, a place where people used to quench their thirst with clear, fresh water.

In 1940, “Bica da Carioca” underwent a renovation that expanded the area of use for the washerwomen, with the construction of a tank equipped with 14 washers supplied by abundant running water. In February 2018, revitalization and cleaning work, financed by the Fund for the Reconstitution of Damaged Assets (FRBL), gave a new shine to this historic treasure. During the revitalization, improvements were added, such as a wooden deck, a sign indicating the location and adequate lighting, further highlighting the importance of this unique place.

The “Bica da Carioca” is one of the rarest historical legacies in the state, with similar ones found only in São Francisco do Sul and Laguna. Spouts, cariocas, fountains and fountains are true works of public art that played a crucial role in colonies, parishes and towns, representing historical symbols that guaranteed the survival of these cities. The term “Carioca” became popular in Brazil, referring to the Tupi-Guarani expression “kara'iwa”, which means “house of white people”. Furthermore, scholars also use this term to refer to indigenous villages and tribes, and even as an affectionate nickname for inhabitants or natives of the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Tip: Take advantage of your visit to discover the Mother Church, less than 100 meters away from Bica da Carioca, in addition to Theatro Adolpho Mello and the Gilberto Gerlach Museum, both around the Igreja Matriz square.

Distance from Florianopolis: 8.4 km