Cruz e Sousa Palace

Known as "Palácio Rosado", due to the color used on the outside of the house, the Cruz e Sousa Palace it was built in the XNUMXth century, on the initiative of Brigadier José da Silva Paes - military engineer, brilliant officer of the Royal Engineering Corps of the Portuguese army, who wanted to transform it into the seat of the Government House. Located in front of Praça XV de Novembro, the Palace was one of the first constructions carried out for the public power. The engraving stamped in the work of La Pèrouse - the oldest known iconographic document about Vila do Desterro (1785), today Florianópolis - refers to the House as "the building that, with its two floors, looms over the ground floor of the Largo da Matriz." There are also many references made by distinguished travelers, foreigners and Brazilians, to the Casa dos Governadores. From Abbot Dom Pernetty, passing through Krusenstern, to Emperors Pedro II and Tereza Cristina. There, in 1876, the distinguished historian Afonso D'Escragnolle Taunay was born, son of the then President of the Province, Alfredo D'Escragnolle Taunay, the Viscount of Taunay. It was also the birthplace of Aderbal Ramos da Silva, who was governor of the state from 1947 to 1951. Despite having been the residence of the governors during the time of the Colony, the presidents of the Province during the Empire, and the heads of the State Executive, there are few references to its facilities and the changes they underwent over time. But it is known that it was during the Hercílio Luz government (1894-1898) that the Government House was renovated, acquiring the appearance it has today. The profound renovation carried out during almost the entire four-year period of the Hercílio Luz government completely modified the original characteristics of the building. All the lateral sections were reconstructed and, along the hollowed out platband and with the balustrade then built, allegorical figures by the Italian sculptor Gabriel Sielva were placed, modeled in cement, in addition to other decorative elements such as craters. The basic lines of the composition are marked by pilasters painted in white and against the background of the external painting of the walls, the torn windows and doors stand out, framed by frames finished in full arch lintel, framing fixed flags, straight lintels and balconies. Isolated or grouped, the allegorical figures are ten in number, among them the one of Mercury, which symbolizes Santa Catarina's commerce and industry, the one of Amphitrite, goddess of the sea, suggesting the maritime vocation of the green-belly land and the of Santa Catarina, patron saint of the State. On the main façade, in the centre, a curved pediment with the coat of arms of the State. Inside the building, no less extensive were the changes introduced, improving the zenith lighting in the main hall, with the introduction of a skylight. A staircase covered in Carrara marble was built, which was also used for the balustrade and balconies. All these pieces were crafted in Italy. As it is included in Set I - Historic Center, Central Area of ​​Florianópolis - the Palace is also protected by Decree nº 270, of 30/12/1986. According to State Law nº 5.512, of February 20, 1979, it was renamed "Palácio Cruz e Sousa", ceasing to be the effective seat of the Executive Power and starting to have a socio-cultural function. In 1954, after the construction of the new residence for the Governors at Agronomica, it became the Palácio dos Despachos and, at the time of the Antonio Carlos Konder Reis and Esperidião Amin governments, underwent restoration work. Santa Catarina Historical Museum.