São José

São José is a city in Santa Catarina, Brazil, stretching along the coast and surrounding hills with bridges and roads connecting it to Florianópolis. The settlement consists of many neighborhoods, some facing the water and others extending inland toward forested areas.

Settlers from the Azores founded the place in 1750 and built chapels and farms along the coast. German immigrants arrived in 1829 and brought new farming methods and crafts that changed life in the region.

The Municipal Theater Adolpho Mello and the Main Church represent the architectural heritage from the 18th and 19th centuries in the Historic Center.

The BR-101 road runs through the area and links neighborhoods to each other and nearby towns. Buses operate regularly and cover most residential areas, so getting around is straightforward even though some hills have steep streets.

The local theater and several industrial plants shape daily life, as the economy relies more on manufacturing than tourism. Many residents work in nearby factories or commute daily to jobs in other cities across the region.

Location: Santa Catarina

Inception: March 19, 1750

Elevation above the sea: 0 m

Shares border with: Antônio Carlos, Florianópolis, Palhoça, Biguaçu, Santo Amaro da Imperatriz, São Pedro de Alcântara

Website: http://pmsj.sc.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -27.61500,-48.62778

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:43