Hercílio Luz Bridge

The Hercílio Luz Bridge is Florianópolis’s postcard view and the symbol of this guide. Opened on May 13, 1926, it was the first road link between Santa Catarina Island and the mainland and remained the only one until 1975, according to Wikipedia. It is a suspension bridge: the deck hangs from cables made of steel bars attached to its two towers.

Impressive figures

Wikipedia notes that it is Brazil’s largest suspension bridge and the largest eyebar-chain suspension bridge still standing in the world.

Closed for decades, reopened in celebration

In 1982, safety inspections led to the bridge being closed to traffic. Between 1988 and 1991 it reopened only to pedestrians, bicycles and light vehicles, and then stayed closed for about 28 years. Restoration ended with its reopening on December 30, 2019, at a celebration attended by more than 200,000 people. Today, drivers crossing to the island mainly use the Colombo Salles and Pedro Ivo Campos bridges; traffic rules on the Hercílio Luz are set by the authorities and may change.

Where to see and photograph it

• Island end: the lookout and Parque da Luz, on the island side, offer one of the loveliest views in downtown.
• Beira-Mar Norte: the Beira-Mar promenade lets you see the bridge side-on, with the bay.
• At night: the lighting on the cables transforms the bridge. It is the classic Florianópolis photo.

Combine with

Historic downtown is a few blocks away: the Public Market, Praça XV and the Cathedral. See also the history of Florianópolis.