The long avenue
Climbing the hill.
Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0
Roça Agostinho Neto is a historic cocoa plantation in Lobata District on São Tomé Island, near the town of Guadalupe. A roça was a large colonial-era estate. It is one of the most impressive agricultural complexes in the country, with a long avenue climbing towards its old hospital building. The settlement grew around the Rio do Ouro plantation, founded in 1865. After independence in 1975 it was renamed after Agostinho Neto, Angola's first president. About a thousand people live here today, and there is a small museum in the old mansion. In the early 20th century São Tomé was one of the world's largest cocoa producers. You see a wide straight avenue climbing between two rows of old buildings, ending at a large pink building on a hill, with trees and green mountains around. Long low buildings on either side once served as workers' housing and stores, shaded by big trees. Some buildings are worn and neglected. It is about 10 km from central São Tomé in a straight line. People live here, so respect their privacy and ask before photographing them. A local guide can explain the history.
Climbing the hill.
A pink building.
Workers' housing.
Near Guadalupe, São Tomé Island
A large colonial-era estate producing cocoa and coffee.
After independence in 1975, honouring Angola's first president.