A church with whale oil in its mortar and a fortress on an island bring the history of Governador Celso Ramos to life; at the same time, a deeply indented peninsula with more than 40 beaches shapes the landscape. This gives you different priorities to consider when planning your trip: the coast and sea, or specific examples of cultural history. You can focus on the aspect that matters most to you rather than treating every facet equally.
Coast, Peninsula, and Nature
Governador Celso Ramos is located on a deeply indented peninsula, with more than 40 beaches along its coast. The coastal landscape is therefore a distinct reason to explore the destination. It defines the municipality’s connection with nature and the sea, while the church and fortress offer other, cultural-historical perspectives. Nature also extends beyond the coast: the region around Governador Celso Ramos includes the Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve, which is considered a protected area for rare animal and plant species. The landscape, protected area, and historic sites offer different ways to understand Governador Celso Ramos as a travel destination.
Church and History
In the municipality, the Igreja Nossa Senhora da Piedade is considered a historic, cultural, and religious heritage site of the state of Santa Catarina, as well as a symbol of the colonization of Santa Catarina. It is also considered the first church built in the state. Whale oil was used in its mortar. Its historical significance and unusual building material bring together religious heritage, the history of colonization, and architectural history. This offers a distinct cultural-historical focus for travelers interested in churches and historic buildings.
Armação da Piedade also adds to this perspective on the past: it was the site of a whaling center described as the largest and most important in Santa Catarina. This brings the history of whaling in the state alongside the history of the church. The two subjects offer different emphases: the Igreja Nossa Senhora da Piedade focuses on religious heritage and construction, while Armação da Piedade focuses on the history of whaling.
Ilha de Anhatomirim and Fortaleza de Santa Cruz
The Fortaleza de Santa Cruz is located on Ilha de Anhatomirim. The fortress is part of a group of Portuguese fortresses on Ilha de Santa Catarina, and the island is considered a popular excursion destination. If you plan to visit, it is advisable to check the latest access arrangements in advance. Compared with the Igreja Nossa Senhora da Piedade, the cultural-historical interest here centers on a fortress and its place within a larger group. The municipality’s historic themes thus differ: church history and architecture on one hand, Portuguese fortress architecture on the other.
Water Sports and a Forest Trail
The sea in the municipality is used for activities including surfing, diving, and jet skiing. Those looking to make the sea a focus of their activities will find several different water sports. A short, easy trail that leads from Praia de Ganchos de Fora through a section of Atlantic Rainforest offers a different experience. Your trip planning can therefore include water sports or a walk through the forest: experience the sea actively or cover a short distance on foot.
The Orla de Ganchos do Meio
The completed work on the Orla de Ganchos do Meio waterfront promenade included a wooden deck about 200 meters long, three pergolas, game tables, and landscaping. A new pier was also added, along with lighting along the entire promenade and pier. Unlike the expansive beach landscape, this work focuses on the design and amenities of a waterfront promenade. If these specific amenities are important for your visit, check their current condition in advance.
Discover more destinations: Abelardo Luz, Palhoça, Imbituba, Gaspar, Grão Pará, Ibicaré, Treze Tílias, Indaial
For the broader travel overview: Santa Catarina.
