Heritage & monuments
Diogo Gomes Monument
Diogo Gomes Monument
This statue is located at the southern end of the Plateau, the historic old town of Praia. It commemorates Diogo Gomes, the Portuguese navigator who discovered Santiago Island in 1460. Visitors go here to see the monument and to look out over Gamboa Beach from the elevated position of the old town.
Getting There
The monument is situated within the Plateau district, which serves as the city centre. It is accessible on foot from most central points of the old town. Depending on your starting point within the Plateau, the walk typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes.
Time Requirement
Because this is a standalone outdoor monument, most visitors spend approximately 15 to 30 minutes at the site to view the statue and the surrounding coastal scenery.
When to Visit
The site is open to the air, making it accessible at any time. Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the midday heat. There are no specific seasonal closures, and the area generally does not experience heavy crowds.
Nearby Attractions
The monument is positioned close to several other historic sites in the Plateau. You can easily combine your visit with the following locations:
- Palácio Presidencial: 0.1km
- Pro-Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace: 0.2km
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Santiago de Cabo Verde: 0.2km
- Praça Alexandre Albuquerque: 0.2km
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors