The church was officially commissioned in 1750 by Portuguese settlers arriving from the Azores archipelago.
It is considered one of the primary cultural anchors of the Santo Antônio de Lisboa historic district.
The village was the first in the region to host a parish dedicated to Our Lady of Needs.
The architecture features traditional elements including a bell tower centered above the main entrance.
The church interior displays religious statuary and wooden carvings consistent with 18th-century ecclesiastical art in Brazil.
The Church of Our Lady of Needs (Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Necessidades) is a 18th-century colonial church located in the Santo Antônio de Lisboa district of Florianópolis, Brazil. It serves as the historic center of one of the island's oldest Portuguese settlements, founded by immigrants from the Azores in the 1750s. The architecture reflects the Luso-Brazilian style characterized by a modest facade and thick masonry walls typical of the region's early religious buildings. The church is situated on the island's western coast, overlooking the Bay of Dolphins. It functions as the seat of the local parish under the Archdiocese of Florianópolis. The structure underwent significant restoration to preserve its original aesthetic and structural integrity after centuries of exposure to the coastal climate. It remains an active place of worship for the local community.
From the church square, looking back at the facade with the bay in the background.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding cobblestone streets of Santo Antônio de Lisboa.
Visit during the late afternoon to experience the local sunset, which is highly regarded in this district.
Check the local parish calendar if you wish to attend a liturgical service to see the interior in its functional state.
Do not attempt to enter the church during private ceremonies or funerals if you are not a guest.
Modest attire is expected; maintain silence during active services.
