Cathedral

São Tomé, São Tomé Island, São Tomé e Príncipe

Religious Architecture

Located near the Square of Povo (Peoples’ Square), the former Church of Our Lady of Grace was built during the rule of King Manuel, in the period when Álvaro de Caminha was captain of the island (1490-1499). The modern day Cathedral has presumedly been rebuilt several times: the first time, by order of King Sebastião, between 1576 and 1578; in 1814, on the initiative of some inhabitants of the island; and most recently in 1956. These works partially changed the main façade and led to it losing its original classical features into a neo-romanesque style. The interior walls are covered with 20th century tiles.

• José Manuel Fernandes
• Teresa Madeira da Silva