Customs House

Located in what is now the historic center of Florianópolis, the imposing building of Customs House It is a masterpiece of the neoclassical style, built with high-quality raw materials, according to the standards of the time. Inaugurated on July 29, 1876, in a ceremony that coincided with Princess Isabel's birthday, the building represents a period of great historical importance for the city. Under the presidency of Alfredo D'Escragnolle Taunay, the construction required a significant investment, totaling 120 contos de réis.

With two floors and a total area exceeding 1,300 m², the Customs building impresses with its grandeur even today. However, its history was not without challenges. After the inauguration festivities, the building needed to undergo technical inspections, and it was only in February 1877, after an inspection by engineer Sebastião de Souza e Mello, that it was definitively occupied and began its customs operations.

For over 90 years, the building housed the region's customs activities until its closure in 1964 due to the decay and closure of the port of Florianópolis. It is worth noting that this building replaced its predecessor, which mysteriously exploded on April 24, 1866, in a tragedy that resulted in loss of life and injuries, as documented by periodicals of the time.

Today, in addition to its historical value, the Customs House building houses the Craft Gallery, Continuing its cultural legacy and providing a space for the exhibition and sale of works by talented artisans from Santa Catarina. The preservation of this place is fundamental to keeping alive the memory of this important chapter in the history of Florianópolis.