church · Navegantes, SC
Santuário Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes
The current church, in Art Deco style, opened in 1962 on the site of a chapel built by devotees with ties to the sea, and was made a sanctuary in 1996. Next to it, a boat-shaped building houses a space devoted to the Virgin Mary on its deck.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Santuário Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes
Santuário Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes is the best-known church in Navegantes, on the north coast of Santa Catarina. It is near the mouth of the Rio Itajaí-Açu, a few steps from the ferry crossing to Itajaí, and is the center of the devotion that gave the city its name.
Its history begins in the late 19th century. A chapel was built in 1897 and inaugurated on February 2, 1898, the feast day of Our Lady of Navigators. Construction of the current church began in 1959, and it opened in 1962, when the parish was created. In 1996 it was made a sanctuary.
The building mixes elements of several styles, mostly Art Deco: tall towers, a decorated pediment and a large panel on the facade showing Our Lady above the sea. Inside, it has a single nave and stained-glass windows.
Next to the church, a life-size boat-shaped building stands out, a reminder of the community's ties to fishing and the sea. It is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
The feast of Our Lady of Navigators, around February 2, brings Masses, a procession through the streets and a procession of decorated boats on the river. It is the busiest time of year at the sanctuary.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half an hour is enough to see the facade and the boat next to it and to step inside the church without rushing; on Mass or festival days, allow more time.
Best time
Clear mornings, when the sun lights up the facade and the boat. If you enjoy religious festivals, go in early February, for the feast of the patron saint.
How to get there
It is near the mouth of the Rio Itajaí-Açu, about 100 meters from the ferry that links Navegantes and Itajaí, and just over 1 km from the main beach. If you are coming from Itajaí, you can cross by ferry and walk; the airport is about 2.5 km away.
Tip
If you are in Itajaí, take the ferry: the crossing is short and the sanctuary is right at the landing. Check Mass and visiting hours with the sanctuary before you go.
A look at the place
Santuário Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Santuário Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes
Is there an entrance fee for the Santuário Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes?
No. Admission to the church is free.
When is the feast of Our Lady of Navigators in Navegantes?
Around February 2, with Masses, a procession through the streets and a procession of boats on the river.
What is the boat next to the sanctuary?
It is a life-size boat-shaped building, a reminder of the city's fishing tradition.
Can you walk from the ferry to the sanctuary?
Yes. The sanctuary is about 100 meters from the ferry crossing between Itajaí and Navegantes.
When was the church built?
The current church was built between 1959 and 1962. Before that there was a chapel, inaugurated in 1898. It became a sanctuary in 1996.