Roça Agostinho Neto
One of the largest colonial cocoa plantations on the island, where the grand old hospital and rows of workers' quarters are now largely dilapidated, offering a sense of the rise and fall of the colonial economy.
Originally named Rio do Ouro (Gold River), the Agostinho Neto plantation was renamed after Angola's first president following independence. In the early 20th century it was one of the largest cocoa plantations on São Tomé. A long, tree-lined avenue leads from the main road to the grand old hospital on the hillside, flanked by rows of workers' houses, warehouses and a small chapel, on a scale resembling a small town. Most of the buildings are now in disrepair, but several thousand people still live here. You can find a local guide in the village to show you around for a small tip. Please respect residents' privacy and ask permission before photographing people. It is about 12 km from the capital and is often combined with Lagoa Azul on a northern half-day tour.
Opening hours
All day (occupied; visit during daytime)
Nearby sights
- Lagoa Azul
- Roça Monte Café
- Cascata de São Nicolau
- Obô Natural Park
- Claudio Corallo Chocolate Factory
- São Tomé Cathedral
- Fort São Sebastião
- Pico de São Tomé