Edifício da Alfândega, Historic customs building in downtown Florianópolis, Brazil.
Edifício da Alfândega is a customs building in downtown Florianópolis with a three-part structure: a central body topped by a pediment and two side warehouses with separate roofs. The ensemble rests on rectangular foundations and displays characteristic proportions from its building era.
Construction began in 1874 under administrator João Tomé da Silva to replace a previous building lost to fire in 1866. The new structure served as the functional hub for port operations in the expanding city.
The ground floor houses a gallery run by local artists, showcasing regional artwork throughout the year. This space reflects how the building has transformed into a cultural hub where contemporary creatives exhibit their work.
The building houses shops with regional handcrafts such as bobbin lace, artisanal cachaça, and clay items. Visitors are best served coming during daytime hours when the shops and exhibitions are open.
The facade features Doric columns, profiled cornices, and decorative porcelain vases placed on both floors. These ornamental details give the utilitarian structure an unexpectedly refined appearance.
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