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Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti

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Landmark
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Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)

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The Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti in Bissau stands as a solemn reminder of a pivotal moment in the history of Guinea-Bissau. On August 3, 1959, Portuguese colonial police opened fire on striking dockworkers at the Pindjiguiti quay, resulting in the deaths of over 50 people. This massacre proved to be a decisive turning point in the struggle for independence, leading the PAIGC movement under Amílcar Cabral to shift from peaceful protest to organized armed resistance. The monument features a large black fist, which serves as a powerful symbol of defiance and the enduring strength of the Guinean people. Every year on August 3, the nation gathers here for official commemorations to honor the victims and reflect on the cost of freedom. Its location at the very site of the massacre ensures that the historical significance of the workers' struggle remains central to the city's identity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar–May.

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Avg °C212121222223242626262423
Rain mm413719147792846273750

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti stands in Mindelo and is freely accessible. It is an outdoor monument that can be visited at any time.
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Typical hours
As the monument is in a public space, there are no opening hours. It is accessible around the clock, but best visited during daylight.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time. The monument is often surrounded by green areas that provide a nice contrast - experiment with different angles.
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Time needed
Viewing the monument takes about 10-15 minutes. Allow some time to explore the surroundings and the nearby waterfront promenade of Mindelo.
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Combine with
The monument is in Mindelo, known for its cultural harbor and music festival. Nearby are the port and the historic city center.
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Getting there
The monument is centrally located in Mindelo and walkable from most hotels and attractions. Taxis are available for longer distances and are inexpensive.
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Insider tip
Combine your visit with a stroll along the harbor promenade, especially in the late afternoon when the light is soft. Ask locally about the history of the massacre that the monument commemorates.

Geography

Coordinates
16.88800, -24.98800

Facts

  • The massacre took place on August 3, 1959, at the port.
  • More than 50 dockworkers were killed by colonial forces.
  • The monument is a large black fist symbolizing resistance.
  • August 3 is observed as a national holiday in the country.
  • The event led to the start of the armed liberation war.
  • It is located at the Pidjiguiti quay in the capital, Bissau.

Explore nearby

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Frescomar Fish Canning FactoryFrescomar Fish Canning Factory2 km · SExplore →
Lazareto Industrial ZoneLazareto Industrial Zone3 km · SExplore →
Monte CaraMonte Cara5 km · SExplore →
Selada do Flamengo Wind FarmSelada do Flamengo Wind Farm5 km · NWExplore →
Monte VerdeMonte Verde7 km · NExplore →
SalamansaSalamansa7 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (10)

Alfândega Velha - Centro Cultural do Mindelo

Cultural centre in the old customs house of Mindelo, with exhibitions and events.

Luís Morais

Monument to Luís Morais in Mindelo, a local personality.

Zero Point Art Gallery

Contemporary art gallery in Mindelo featuring works by Cape Verdean artists.

Praça Nova (Praça Amilcar Cabral)🌳 park

Square in Mindelo named after Amílcar Cabral, a central meeting point.

Águia

Eagle sculpture or attraction in Mindelo, a local landmark.

Eden Park Cine-Theatre

Historic cinema and theatre in Mindelo, venue for cultural events.

Alcides

Alcides, an attraction in Mindelo, possibly a statue or a place.

Baltasar Lopes da Silva

Monument to Cape Verdean writer Baltasar Lopes da Silva in Mindelo.

CNAD - National Centre for Arts, Craft and Design🏛 museum

National centre for arts, crafts and design in Mindelo with exhibitions.

Cesária Évora Home

Former home of singer Cesária Évora in Mindelo, now a memorial site.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does this monument commemorate?
It commemorates the 1959 Pindjiguiti massacre, a strike by dockworkers.
Where is the monument located?
It is located in the port area of Praia, below the Plateau district.
Is the site accessible at any time?
Yes, it is a public outdoor monument and can be visited freely at any time.
How do you get there from the city center?
From Plateau, a staircase or a road leads down to the harbor basin.
Are there explanations on-site?
There is a plaque that briefly explains the historical significance of the event.
Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti: where is it located?
Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti is located in Cape Verde.
Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti: what is there to see?
Highlights include Alfândega Velha - Centro Cultural do Mindelo, Luís Morais, Zero Point Art Gallery.
Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, May.
Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti: why is it worth visiting?
The Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti in Bissau stands as a solemn reminder of a pivotal moment in the history of Guinea-Bissau.
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Nearby cities

Mindelo — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Mindelo
Mindelo is a port city on São Vicente and the cultural heart of Cape Verde.
Salamansa — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Salamansa
Salamansa is a traditional fishing village in the north of São Vicente island.
Baia das Gatas — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Baia das Gatas
Baia das Gatas is famous for its natural lagoon and the annual music festival.
São Pedro — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
São Pedro
São Pedro is a coastal village on São Vicente, located right next to the international airport.

History & landmarks

São Vicente City Hall — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
São Vicente City Hall
The administrative center of São Vicente Island, located in the center of Mindelo.
Municipal Market of Mindelo — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Municipal Market of Mindelo
A lively market in the heart of Mindelo, famous for fresh fish and local produce.
Governor&#39;s Palace of Mindelo — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Governor's Palace of Mindelo
A magnificent colonial-style building that once served as the residence of the Portuguese governors.
Church of Our Lady of Light (Mindelo) — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Church of Our Lady of Light (Mindelo)
The main church of Mindelo, a simple but elegant religious landmark.
Center for Handicraft and Design — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Center for Handicraft and Design
A modern cultural center in Mindelo promoting the creativity of Cape Verdean artists.
Gil Eanes High School (Mindelo) — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Gil Eanes High School (Mindelo)
A historic school building in Mindelo that played a significant role in the country's education.
Cultural Center of Mindelo — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Cultural Center of Mindelo
A venue for exhibitions and performances in the heart of the cultural capital.
Adérito Sena Stadium — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Adérito Sena Stadium
The main football stadium on São Vicente Island, home to local clubs.

More places

Historic Center of Mindelo — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Historic Center of Mindelo
The heart of Mindelo with colorful buildings and a cosmopolitan flair from the colonial era.
Mindelo Zoo — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Mindelo Zoo
A small zoo in Mindelo, home to local and exotic animals.
Belém Tower (Mindelo) — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Belém Tower (Mindelo)
A smaller replica of the famous Belém Tower in Lisbon, standing right on the waterfront.
Mindelo Kids Leisure Center — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Mindelo Kids Leisure Center
A modern center for play, sports, and creativity for children in the cultural capital.
Porto Grande (Mindelo) — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Porto Grande (Mindelo)
Porto Grande is Mindelo's deep-water harbor and the main port on Sao Vicente.
Fortim d&#39;El Rei — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Fortim d'El Rei
Fortim d'El Rei is a small fort in Mindelo on Sao Vicente.
Cabnave Shipyard — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Cabnave Shipyard
The largest shipyard in Cape Verde, located in Mindelo, providing repair services for Mid-Atlantic shipping.
Enacol Fuel Terminal — Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti (Cape Verde)
Enacol Fuel Terminal
A central storage and distribution terminal for petroleum products in the port of Mindelo.