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Monument to Diogo Gomes

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Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)

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The Monument to Diogo Gomes is a prominent historical landmark situated in the Plateau district of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde. It commemorates the Portuguese navigator and explorer Diogo Gomes, who is credited with discovering the island of Santiago in 1460, paving the way for the permanent settlement of the archipelago. The statue depicts the explorer in a commanding pose, gazing out over the harbor of Praia, symbolizing the vital link between exploration and maritime commerce. Positioned at a strategic viewpoint on the southern edge of the Plateau, the monument provides visitors with a sweeping view of the Atlantic Ocean and the modern port facilities below. The base of the statue features inscriptions that detail the historical significance of Gomes's voyages during the Age of Discovery. The craftsmanship of the monument reflects the 15th-century aesthetic, capturing the pioneering spirit of an era that transformed Cape Verde into a central hub between three continents. For residents and visitors alike, the statue stands as a testament to the city's origins and its enduring connection to the sea.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232222232324252727272624
Rain mm22208544125682453730

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The monument honoring Diogo Gomes is freely accessible in the public space. You can view it from the outside at any time, no entry ticket is required.
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Typical hours
As an outdoor monument, there are no fixed opening hours. It is typically accessible around the clock, but the best view is during daylight hours.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time without restrictions. Be sure to include the surrounding landscape to better capture the historical context.
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Time needed
A short visit takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you also want to explore the surroundings, 30 minutes will be plenty.
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Combine with
The monument is usually in a central location, so you can combine a visit with other city attractions. Ask locally about further historical sites nearby.
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Getting there
The monument is easily reachable on foot, by bicycle, or by public transport. Parking is typically available on nearby streets or in public lots.
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Insider tip
Visit the monument early morning or late afternoon for the best photo light. A short walk around the area often reveals further interesting local history details.

Geography

Coordinates
14.91580, -23.50720

Facts

  • Diogo Gomes reached the island of Santiago in May 1460.
  • The monument is located at the southernmost point of the Plateau in Praia.
  • The statue was erected during the Portuguese colonial administration.
  • Gomes was a knight in the service of Prince Henry the Navigator.
  • The site offers a direct view of the Achada de Santo António district.
  • The monument marks the beginning of the historical settlement of Praia.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Presidential Palace (Praia)Presidential Palace (Praia)<1 km · SEExplore →
Terra Branca PlaygroundTerra Branca Playground2 km · SExplore →
CERIS BreweryCERIS Brewery2 km · SEExplore →
Palmarejo Solar Power PlantPalmarejo Solar Power Plant4 km · SEExplore →
National Stadium of Cape VerdeNational Stadium of Cape Verde7 km · EExplore →
Gouveia Wind FarmGouveia Wind Farm10 km · SEExplore →
Ruins of the Sé CathedralRuins of the Sé Cathedral11 km · SExplore →
Porto MosquitoPorto Mosquito16 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Monument to Diogo Gomes (10)

Miradouro do Cruzeiro

Viewpoint in Cape Verde. It features a wide view of the surroundings.

Sala-Museu Amílcar Cabral🏛 museum

Museum in Cape Verde. It is dedicated to politician Amílcar Cabral.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça

Church building in Cape Verde. It is a place of worship in Praia.

Praia Negra

Beach in Cape Verde. A coastal stretch near Praia.

Estatua Diogo Gomes

Statue in Cape Verde. It depicts the explorer Diogo Gomes.

Praça Alexandre Albuquerque🌳 park

Public square in Praia, Cape Verde. It is a central meeting point.

Praia da Gambôa

Beach in Cape Verde. It lies on the coast near Praia.

Arquivo Historico Nacional🏛 museum

National archives of Cape Verde. It preserves historical documents of the country.

Auditorio Nacional

Theatre in Cape Verde. It serves as a venue for performances.

Museou Etnográfico🏛 museum

Ethnographic museum in Santiago, Cape Verde. It showcases the island's culture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who was Diogo Gomes?
He was a Portuguese navigator who discovered Santiago island in 1460.
Where is the monument located?
At the southern end of the Plateau in Praia, overlooking the sea.
Is the area wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the square around the monument is flat and easily accessible.
What can you see from there?
You have a great view of Ilhéu de Santa Maria and the harbor.
Does the visit cost anything?
No, the monument is in a public square and is free to visit.
Monument to Diogo Gomes: where is it located?
Monument to Diogo Gomes is located in Cape Verde.
Monument to Diogo Gomes: what is there to see?
Highlights include Miradouro do Cruzeiro, Sala-Museu Amílcar Cabral, Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça.
Monument to Diogo Gomes: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Monument to Diogo Gomes: why is it worth visiting?
The Monument to Diogo Gomes is a prominent historical landmark situated in the Plateau district of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde.
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Nearby cities

Praia — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
Praia
Praia is the capital and largest city of Cape Verde, located on Santiago island.

History & landmarks

Church of Our Lady of Grace (Praia) — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
Church of Our Lady of Grace (Praia)
The main church of the capital, located in the central Praça Alexandre Albuquerque.
Praia City Hall — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
Praia City Hall
An elegant building in the main square of Praia, housing the seat of the municipal government.
Palace of Justice (Praia) — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
Palace of Justice (Praia)
A monumental building in the center of Praia, housing the country's highest courts.
National Library of Cape Verde — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
National Library of Cape Verde
The most important library in the country, preserving the literary heritage of Cape Verde.
Sucupira Market — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
Sucupira Market
The largest and most vibrant open-air market in Praia, known for its variety of goods.
Amílcar Cabral Statue (Praia) — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
Amílcar Cabral Statue (Praia)
A monument to the national hero Amílcar Cabral, who led the independence movement.
Ponta Temerosa Lighthouse — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
Ponta Temerosa Lighthouse
A prominent lighthouse at the southern tip of Santiago Island, guiding ships to the port of Praia.
National Stadium of Cape Verde — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
National Stadium of Cape Verde
The largest football stadium in the country, considered a symbol of Cape Verde's sporting ambitions.

More places

Jaime Mota Barracks — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
Jaime Mota Barracks
A historic military building in Praia, known for its distinctive colonial architecture.
Presidential Palace (Praia) — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
Presidential Palace (Praia)
The former palace of the Portuguese governor and current seat of the President.
Port of Praia — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
Port of Praia
Porto da Praia is the main port of the Cape Verdean capital on Santiago.
Dona Maria Pia Lighthouse — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
Dona Maria Pia Lighthouse
A distinctive white lighthouse at the southern end of the Praia plateau.
Achada Grande Industrial Zone — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
Achada Grande Industrial Zone
The primary industrial and commercial area in Praia, home to numerous companies.
Terra Branca Playground — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
Terra Branca Playground
A popular modern children's playground in one of the liveliest neighborhoods of the capital Praia.
CERIS Brewery — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
CERIS Brewery
The leading brewery and beverage bottling plant in Praia, supplying the national market.
Palmarejo Desalination Plant — Monument to Diogo Gomes (Cape Verde)
Palmarejo Desalination Plant
A vital facility in Praia that converts seawater into drinking water for the growing population.