Roça Sundy

Principe Island, São Tomé and Príncipe

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Roça Sundy is a historic plantation estate on Príncipe Island that played an important role in the archipelago’s cocoa industry and is one of the country’s most significant heritage sites.

Founded in the 19th century, it was once among the largest cocoa plantations in the region and is now known for its beautifully restored colonial architecture and lush tropical surroundings. The estate is internationally famous as the place where British astronomer Arthur Eddington observed the 1919 solar eclipse, providing evidence that supported Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity.

This historic scientific achievement made Roça Sundy an important landmark in the history of science. Today, Roça Sundy is a heritage destination surrounded by rainforests and cocoa plantations, offering visitors insights into the island’s history, culture, and natural beauty. It is also one of the six roças that form São Tomé and Príncipe’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its outstanding historical and cultural value.