Roça Monte Mário

Roça Monte Mário, located in the central highlands of São Tomé, is a fascinating example of a plantation that specialized in coffee cultivation. Founded in the 19th century, it took advantage of the cooler temperatures and higher altitudes that offered convenient conditions for Arabica coffee. The facility distinguishes itself from the pure cocoa plantations through its specific infrastructure, which included large, paved drying terraces (terreiros) and water channels for processing the coffee cherries. The main house is often surrounded by gardens reminiscent of Portuguese quintas. The history of Monte Mário is closely linked to the rise and fall of the coffee market before cocoa became the dominant crop. After independence, coffee production was largely abandoned, and the Roça fell into disrepair. Today, the ruins of Monte Mário, surrounded by wild coffee bushes, are a melancholic place that harks back to the time when São Tomé was renowned for its high-quality coffee. It is an important testament to the agricultural diversity and economic volatility of the island's history.

Nearby cities

São João dos Angolares

São João dos Angolares is the cradle of a proud culture that has its roots in a shipwreck centuries ago.

Ribeira Peixe

Ribeira Peixe is a lively community in the deep south that has developed around one of the country's busiest oil palm plantations.

Dona Augusta

Dona Augusta lies hidden on the wild southeast coast where the Obô forest meets the untamed Atlantic.

History & landmarks

Ilhéu das Rolas Lighthouse

The lighthouse on Ilhéu das Rolas marks the southernmost point of the archipelago and is an important maritime signal near the Equator.

Nature

Rio Iô Grande

Rio Iô Grande is one of the island's most water-rich rivers, meandering through the deep valleys of the south.

Rio Caué

Rio Caué is the lifeline of São Tomé's southernmost district, flowing through the heart of Obô National Park.

More places

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Pico Maria Fernandes

Pico Maria Fernandes is a prominent elevation in southern São Tomé that often stands in the shadow of the more famous Cão Grande but is n…

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Iô Grande Bird Watching Site

On the banks of the Rio Iô Grande in the Caué district lies one of the island's best spots for observing rare bird species.

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Ribeira Peixe Oil Mill

In the heart of the vast oil palm plantations of Ribeira Peixe lies this modern oil mill that extracts crude oil from the fruits of the o…

Ribeira Peixe Oil Palm Center

Ribeira Peixe in the deep south of the island is the heart of Santomean oil palm production.

Pico Cão Grande

Pico Cão Grande is a spectacular volcanic plug that rises like a giant needle above the southern rainforest.

Pico Cabumbé

Pico Cabumbé is a prominent peak in the south of São Tomé, rising above the dense rainforest.

Pico Vinte e Cinco

This mountain in the far southwest of São Tomé marks a wild and inaccessible region.

Porto Alegre Mangrove

In the far south of São Tomé, near Porto Alegre, extensive mangrove swamps stretch out.