historic center · Palhoça, SC
Enseada de Brito e Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário
A village founded in 1750 by navigator Domingos de Brito Peixoto, it's home to one of the three oldest parishes in Santa Catarina. The church, listed by the state in 1998, has a three-tier tower and holds statues of Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Our Lady of the Rosary), Saint Francis and Saint Dominic.
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 Enseada de Brito e Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário
Enseada de Brito is a small fishing village in southern Palhoça, in Greater Florianópolis, on the bay. It keeps traces of Azorean settlement, with old houses, narrow streets and a wide square that opens between the church and the sea.
The name comes from the bandeirante (colonial explorer) Domingos de Brito Peixoto, who settled on the cove in the 17th century before moving on to Laguna. Settlement gained strength with the arrival of families from the Azores. On May 13, 1750, the parish of Nossa Senhora do Rosário was created there, one of the oldest parishes in Santa Catarina.
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário is the heart of the village. It was listed by the State of Santa Catarina in 1998, along with other old churches on the coast. Facing the square and the sea, it has a three-tier tower that holds the bell. Inside are statues of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Dominic.
The outing is relaxed and almost entirely flat: stroll around the square, look at the facades of the old houses and walk down to the water's edge. The village has the Casa da Cultura Açoriana, which displays local crafts such as bobbin lace and pottery. It's a good plan if you like history and quiet places, and it goes well with a beach day in southern Palhoça.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to two hours is enough to see the church, the square and the old houses without rushing.
Best time
Dry days, in the morning or late afternoon, when the low light shows off the square, the church and the bay.
How to get there
Enseada de Brito is in southern Palhoça (Santa Catarina), near the BR-101. By car, head south on the highway from Florianópolis and take the exit for Enseada de Brito; the church is on the main square, by the sea.
Tip
If you want to see inside the church, check Mass and opening times with the parish beforehand, since it may be closed outside those hours.
Official website
A look at the place
Enseada de Brito e Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário 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 Enseada de Brito e Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário
Who founded Enseada de Brito?
The name comes from the bandeirante Domingos de Brito Peixoto, who settled on the cove in the 17th century. The parish of Nossa Senhora do Rosário was created in 1750, with the arrival of Azorean families.
Is the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário a listed heritage site?
Yes. The church was listed by the State of Santa Catarina in 1998.
Is there a fee to visit the church?
No. The church is open to worshippers and visitors free of charge; check with the parish when it's open.
Where is Enseada de Brito?
In southern Palhoça, in Greater Florianópolis, near the BR-101, on the bay.
What is there to do in Enseada de Brito?
Visit the church, stroll around the square and the Azorean houses, see the Casa da Cultura Açoriana and walk down to the water's edge.