Gabi On The Go: Downtown Floripa

The downtown area is one of the most charming parts of Florianopolis. The small and locally owned shops, banks and markets make this city´s centre a very unique and attractive one.

On Saturdays, the downtown area is always busy until 1pm when the stores close.

Here is a view of Floripa´s downtown.

Like in may cities around the world, the street artist is present here as well.

Azorean architecture, typical of the island, is everywhere. Various city´s administration have been doing a good job preserving the historical buildings.

A sad reality here as well: indigenous people living homeless downtown.

The most important building: the Mercado Publico - the market - built in 1898. This market was constructed to replace another marked that was demolished here after 45 years in activity.

Today, the market is one of the most visited places on the island, visited by local residents, tourists, artists, politicians and bohemians.

FROM WIKIPEDIA: The centre of Florianópolis, with its alleys, rows of typical houses, churches and museums, contains many examples of colonial architecture. Amongst these are the former government palace, nowadays the Cruz e Souza Museum (which took its name from the famous poet from Santa Catarina who formed the symbolist movement) and the Public Market built in 1898 which sells food and local handicrafts under the shade of a one hundred year old fig tree. Close to the centre is the house where Victor Meirelles was born, one of the authors who devised the first mass spoken in Brazil. The building is registered by the Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage and houses the Victor Meirelles Museum.

MORE FROM WIKIPEDIA: The economy of Florianópolis is heavily based on information technology, tourism and services. The city has 42 beaches and is a center of surfing activity. Newsweek placed Florianópolis in the "Ten most dynamic cities of the world" list. Veja magazine, a Brazilian publication, named the city as "the best place to live in Brazil." As a result of this publicity, Florianopolis is growing as a second home destination for many Paulistas, Argentines, U.S. citizens and Europeans.

The market is divided in two sides:

the shoe stores side...

... and the fish and seafood shops side.

There is fresh seafood and fish everyday here.

On this side there are a few bars, but the most popular is Box 32. On Saturdays is just impossible to find a seat at this bar, the favourite of celebraties and artists. If you are a tourist, you must try Box 32´s shrimp "pastel" with "cachaca."

Right across from Box 32 "Seu" Ze claims to be the oldest shop owner of the market. "Fifty and some years here," says this 74 year old gentleman.

"Seu" Ze´s shop.

ANOTHER INFORMATION FROM WIKIPEDIA: The name Florianópolis was meant to be a tribute to marshall Floriano Peixoto, second President of Republic of Brazil (1891–1894). Until 1893, the city was called Nossa Senhora do Desterro (Our Lady of Banishment) or simply "Desterro." There are groups of citizens who wish to change the name, alleging that Floriano was actually a dictator who ordered the death of hundreds of people from the State of Santa Catarina.

Still at the market, we enjoyed a beautiful lunch with shrimp and "pirao."

The four of us shared one plate that costs 60 reais (about CAN$ 35).

The bars are so rustic and charming.

Outside, live samba keeps people busy throughout the afternoon.

The Alfandega building, across from the market is also a must see place. The old customs building is an artcraft shop of local artists.

Not too far from here there is the majestic Praca 15 de Novembro.

In the middle of the square you can find its most splendid habitant: the centenerium Figueira, a fig tree. This tree was already 20 years old when it was re-planted in this squares in 1891.

Today the Figueira needs help to stand up, but the old lady is still a magnificent presence.