Pillar of the Equator

(Islet of) Rolas, São Tomé Island, São Tomé e Príncipe

Equipment and Infrastructures

This is a small monument that signals the passage of the equator through the islet. Known as the Padrão de Gago Coutinho, it was built by public subscription of São Tomé and Príncipe in 26.07.1936, bearing an inscription that served as “Homage from the Colony”. There was another inscription inside the pillar, later vandalized, with the following words: “From the geodesic and astronomy works performed by Gago Coutinho from 1916 to 1918 in São Tomé, on the initiative of engineer Rebelo de Andrade and with the support of all the colonists it was concluded that the geodesic Equator passes through this point”. The monument, which has a pedestal of a classical design, is surmounted by an armillary sphere. It today stands on a large polychrome base showing a mappa-mundi and overlooking a green scenario.

• José Manuel Fernandes