monument · Biguaçu, SC
Aqueduto de São Miguel
Built with stone arches by enslaved labor, it carried water from the Cachoeira de São Miguel (waterfall) to the village's old beach. Four arches remained after the BR-101 was built, and the monument is part of the ensemble listed by Iphan in 1969.
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 Aqueduto de São Miguel
The Aqueduto de São Miguel is a row of stone arches in the old Vila de São Miguel, in Biguaçu, in Greater Florianópolis. It's part of the village's architectural and landscape ensemble, listed by Iphan in 1969, alongside the Igreja de São Miguel Arcanjo and the Museu Etnográfico Casa dos Açores.
It was built in the 19th century by enslaved labor. It carried water from the Cachoeira de São Miguel to the village's old beach: it supplied residents, powered mills and served ships anchored in the Baía de Anhatomirim. When the BR-101 was built in the 1960s, most of the structure was torn down, leaving four arches.
Today the arches stand by the highway, among trees, and an access street runs beneath them. The visit is outdoors, quick and easy, on flat ground.
It's a good stop if you're traveling on the BR-101 and enjoy history. It goes well with the church and the museum, in the same ensemble, and with the Cachoeira de São Miguel, nearby.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About 15 to 20 minutes at the aqueduct; half a day for the whole Vila de São Miguel ensemble.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon on dry days, when the light passes through the arches and the sun is gentler; in summer you can follow it with a swim at the waterfall.
How to get there
It's in São Miguel, in Biguaçu, right off the BR-101, a few kilometers from the town center. The easiest way is by car, on the side street that runs under the arches.
Tip
Watch for traffic when taking photos: the access street runs under the arches, so stay on the dirt shoulder or the lawn alongside.
A look at the place
Aqueduto de São Miguel 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 Aqueduto de São Miguel
Where is the Aqueduto de São Miguel?
In the old Vila de São Miguel, in Biguaçu (Santa Catarina), by the BR-101, near the Igreja de São Miguel Arcanjo.
What was the aqueduct used for?
It carried water from the Cachoeira de São Miguel to the village's old beach, for residents, the mills and ships anchored in the Baía de Anhatomirim.
Who built the Aqueduto de São Miguel?
It was built in the 19th century by enslaved labor.
How many arches are left?
Four arches remain. The rest was torn down when the BR-101 was built, in the 1960s.
Is the aqueduct a listed heritage site?
Yes, it's part of the architectural and landscape ensemble of Vila de São Miguel, listed by Iphan in 1969.