monument · Florianópolis, SC
Ponte Hercílio Luz
The capital's postcard image, built in 1926 and 819 meters long, now restored and open to pedestrians. At night, the lighting makes the metal structure stand out over the bay.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Ponte Hercílio Luz
The Ponte Hercílio Luz was the first link between Santa Catarina Island and the mainland. Construction began in 1922, with steel brought from the United States, and the bridge opened on May 13, 1926. It's 821 meters long, with a central suspension span of about 339 meters between two 74-meter metal towers.
What makes it rare is its structure. Instead of steel cables, the deck hangs from eyebar chains that run down from the towers and meet, in the middle of the span, a truss of varying height. It's the largest suspension bridge of this type still standing in the world. It's listed as heritage by the city, the state and Iphan.
The bridge was closed to traffic in 1982 and shut for good in 1991. It sat unused for almost three decades and reopened on December 30, 2019, after being restored by the Portuguese construction company Teixeira Duarte. It turned one hundred on May 13, 2026. On weekdays, cars, buses and taxis cross, along with pedestrians and cyclists. On weekends and holidays, it's reserved for people on foot or by bike. Motorcycles aren't allowed.
Walking across is the outing. At the island end, Parque da Luz has views of the whole bridge and the bay. On the mainland side is Forte de Santana, from 1761, with a viewpoint square. At night, the LED lighting on the towers and chains changes color.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
An hour to walk across and back, with stops at the viewpoints.
Best time
Weekends and holidays, when the bridge is for pedestrians and cyclists only. Late afternoon combines the crossing with the sunset and, right after, the lights coming on.
How to get there
The island end of the bridge is downtown, next to Parque da Luz, within walking distance of the Mercado Público. On the mainland side, the bridge ends in the Estreito neighborhood, next to Forte de Santana.
Tip
To see the whole bridge head-on, go to Parque da Luz, at the island end. To walk across, choose a weekend, when there are no cars.
A look at the place
Ponte Hercílio Luz 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 Ponte Hercílio Luz
Can I walk across the bridge?
Yes, every day. On weekends and holidays, it's for pedestrians and cyclists only.
Can cars cross the bridge?
On weekdays, yes: cars, buses and taxis cross. On weekends and holidays, no. Motorcycles aren't allowed on any day.
How long is the bridge?
It's 821 meters long, with a central suspension span of about 339 meters between two 74-meter towers.
When did the bridge open?
On May 13, 1926. It was closed from 1991 until December 30, 2019, when it reopened after restoration.
Where can I see the whole bridge?
From Parque da Luz, at the island end, and from the viewpoint square by Forte de Santana, on the mainland side.