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Eddington Monument
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Landmark
On the grounds of Roça Sundy on Príncipe stands a modest monument commemorating a world-changing scientific event. On May 29, 1919, British astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington used a total solar eclipse to measure the deflection of light by the Sun's gravity. His observations made on Príncipe confirmed Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, making Einstein world-famous overnight. The monument, often just a simple plaque, marks the exact location of the observations. For science and history enthusiasts, this is a place of pilgrimage. It connects the colonial history of the Roça Sundy cocoa plantation with one of the greatest triumphs of modern physics, all amidst the lush tropical landscape of Príncipe.
- Location: São Tomé & Príncipe
- Nearby: São Joaquim (Forest Edge) (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 141 | 136 | 205 | 202 | 175 | 75 | 40 | 37 | 98 | 226 | 232 | 155 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Eddington Monument at Roça Sundy is an outdoor monument and can be visited at any time. Access to the grounds is usually allowed unless the plantation is closed.
Typical hours
As the monument is on a former plantation, there are no fixed opening hours. It is usually accessible during daytime; it's best to check the current situation locally.
Photography
Photography is allowed; the combination of monument and tropical surroundings gives great subjects. Avoid taking close-up shots of private buildings in the background.
Time needed
Allow about 15-20 minutes for viewing the monument and its immediate surroundings. If you want to explore the whole Roça Sundy, plan for an hour or more.
Combine with
Roça Sundy itself is a historic cocoa plantation with interesting buildings. Nearby are other former plantations and Praia das Conchas beach.
Getting there
The monument is on São Tomé island, about 10 km from the capital. It is best reached by rental car or taxi; public buses rarely go directly there.
Insider tip
Combine your visit with a guided tour of Roça Sundy to learn more about the plantation's history. Bring plenty of water and insect repellent, as the tropical environment can be humid and mosquito-rich.
Geography
Facts
- Einstein's theory predicted twice the deflection as Newtonian physics.
- Eddington chose Príncipe for its favorable location in the eclipse zone.
- A second team observed the eclipse in Sobral, Brazil.
- The original photographic plates are kept in Greenwich, England.
- Roça Sundy is now a hotel that preserves this history.
- The event is known as the 'Eddington experiment'.
- The results were announced in London on November 6, 1919.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Eddington Monument (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does the monument commemorate?
It commemorates Eddington's proof of the theory of relativity.
Where is Roça Sundy located?
It is located on the island of Príncipe in a natural area.
Do you need a guide for the visit?
Recommended to fully understand the history.
Is the place well signposted?
Only partially, a local guide is an advantage.
Can you also hike there?
Yes, the area is convenient for nature hikes.
Eddington Monument: where is it located?
Eddington Monument is located in São Tomé & Príncipe.
Eddington Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Eddington Monument: why is it worth visiting?
On the grounds of Roça Sundy on Príncipe stands a modest monument commemorating a world-changing scientific event.
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