Miorro da Lagoa

Welcome to the Morro da Lagoa, perhaps the most iconic threshold for any traveler entering the eastern sector of the Island of Santa Catarina. As a scholar of these lands, I invite you to pause here and contemplate the geography…

As we move slightly higher along the ridge, we reach the area favored by those who seek a more literal perspective of the island's heights: the paragliding launch site. This spot offers a unique glimpse into the interaction…

Turning our attention to the cultural heritage of the hill, we find ourselves near the historic Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceicao. Established in 1750 and completed roughly thirty years later in 1780, this church is one of the…

No visit to this hill is complete without delving into the mystical side of Florianopolis, often called the 'Magic Island.' Local oral tradition tells a poignant legend about the origin of the lagoon itself. According to the…

Descending slightly toward the base of the hill, we encounter the cultural legacy of the Rendeiras, the traditional lace-makers. While many of them have now moved to the dedicated cultural center in the village below, their…

To truly appreciate the view from Morro da Lagoa, one must understand the dramatic shifts in urbanization that occurred in the latter half of the twentieth century. Until the 1970s, the southern and eastern parts of the island…

As we conclude our time on this ridge, let us reflect on the geological 'deep time' that created this masterpiece of nature. As I mentioned earlier, the landscape of Florianopolis is a relatively recent creation in geological…

Our journey across the Morro da Lagoa comes to an end, but the vistas we have shared will serve as a mental map for your continued exploration of Florianopolis. We have looked beyond the surface of the 'Magic Island' to see the…