Praça XV de Novembro, the fig tree and the Cathedral

Praça XV de Novembro stands at the spot where the settlement of Nossa Senhora do Desterro, Florianópolis’s first name, began. It is also known as Praça da Figueira (Fig Tree Square), after the enormous tree at its center that has become a postcard image.

The old fig tree

The century-old fig tree, with branches so long they need props, is the square’s main attraction. Popular tradition says that walking around it brings good luck; every local tells the legend a little differently. A plaque beside the tree records part of its history.

The Metropolitan Cathedral

Facing the square, at the top of a flight of steps, stands the Metropolitan Cathedral, dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Desterro (Our Lady of Exile). Wikipedia says that around 1679 the bandeirante Francisco Dias Velho, founder of the settlement, had a small stone-and-lime church built there. The current cathedral is listed by IPHAN and has been the seat of the Archdiocese of Florianópolis since 1908.

The garden and surroundings

The square’s garden was laid out between 1885 and 1887. Around it are historic buildings, such as the old Government Palace, and streets leading to the Public Market.

Combine with

Do the full historic downtown walking route and end the day at the Hercílio Luz Bridge.