The Hercílio Luz Bridge is the suspension bridge that links Santa Catarina Island to the mainland in Florianópolis, and the symbol most people associate with the city. It opened in 1926 and is a little over 800 meters long. A separate lane for pedestrians and cyclists lets you cross on foot or by bike and look over the bays and the city. Come around sunset for the light on the water, or after dark when the bridge is lit. On Sundays it is closed to cars, and the deck becomes a promenade.
From 1926 to the closure in 1991
The bridge was inaugurated in 1926 and is named for Hercílio Luz, a former governor of Santa Catarina. It was the first bridge to connect the island of Santa Catarina with the mainland, and for decades it was the only link between the two.
At the time it ranked among the larger suspension bridges in the world. It is still one of the longest in Brazil. In 1991, after maintenance costs kept rising and serious repairs became necessary, it was closed to traffic. It stayed closed through a long restoration and is open again, with a separate walkway for pedestrians and cyclists. It is now a protected historic landmark.
Crossing on foot or by bike
The deck is a little over 800 meters long, so the walk is short and easy. The walkway for pedestrians and cyclists runs apart from the car lanes, which keeps the crossing safe and leaves you free to look around.
From the deck you see the water on both sides, the city on the island and the mainland shore. Locals use the bridge for walks and bike rides, and on Sundays, when cars are not allowed, the whole deck is open to them. On other days, cyclists also have routes along the side of the bridge.
In the evening the bridge is lit, and many people come for the sunset over the bay with the structure in the frame.
Viewpoints and sights around the bridge
Praça Hercílio Luz, next to the bridge, has been revitalized and has a viewpoint of the same name. It is close to Parque da Luz on the seafront, and people come in the afternoon to sit outdoors. It is a good spot to see the bridge itself, rather than from it.
At the foot of the bridge is Fort Santana, one of the older monuments of Florianópolis. It houses a small museum of the Military Police with a collection of weapons.
The historic center is a short walk away. Largo da Alfândega, Praça 15 de Novembro, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Public Market and the Palácio Cruz e Sousa are all in the same area. The palace was once the seat of government and now houses the Santa Catarina Historical Museum. A boat dock on Avenida Beira Mar, near the bridge, is the departure point for boat tours to the dolphin bay.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long does it take to cross the Hercílio Luz Bridge?
The bridge is a little over 800 meters long, so a walk across takes well under an hour. Allow extra time to stop for the views and photos.
Can you walk or cycle across the bridge?
Yes. A separate lane for pedestrians and cyclists runs beside the car lanes, so you can cross on foot or by bike on any day.
Is the bridge closed to cars on Sundays?
Yes, it is closed to cars on Sundays, and walkers and cyclists have the deck to themselves. Some Sundays food vendors set up there.
When is the best time to see the bridge?
Sunset is a popular time for photos over the bay. After dark the bridge is lit, so it is also worth seeing in the evening.
Is there parking and step-free access?
There is a free parking lot, and the entrance is wheelchair accessible. Restrooms are also available.
