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Tarrafal Concentration Camp
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The Tarrafal Concentration Camp, also known as the 'Camp of Slow Death,' was established in 1936 by the Portuguese Estado Novo regime under António de Oliveira Salazar. It was primarily used to intern political prisoners from Portugal and its overseas colonies who opposed the dictatorship. Conditions at the camp were inhumane, characterized by extreme heat, forced labor, and a total lack of medical care, which led to numerous fatalities. After its closure in 1954, it was reopened in 1961 to hold African nationalists during the independence wars in Angola, Guinea-Bissau, and Mozambique. The camp was finally dissolved only after the Carnation Revolution in Portugal in 1974. Today, the complex functions as a museum and memorial of resistance, serving to remember the suffering of the detainees and the struggle for freedom.
- Location: Cape Verde
- Top sights: Ceramic Arts Museum · Silverbeach
- Nearby: Tarrafal (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar–May.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 20 | 20 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 46 | 69 | 43 | 38 | 28 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The former Tarrafal concentration camp in Chão Bom is now a memorial and can be visited. The site is open to the public, with former cells and buildings partly accessible.
Typical hours
The memorial is typically open Tuesday to Sunday, usually from 9 AM to 5 PM - Monday is often a closure day. It's advisable to check exact hours in advance with the local tourist office.
Photography
Photography on the grounds is usually allowed, but please be discreet out of respect for the historical significance. Interiors should be taken without flash, and visitors are expected to behave appropriately.
Time needed
Visiting the memorial typically takes about one hour, including the exhibitions and cells. For a more thorough engagement with the history, allow two hours.
Combine with
The camp is near Tarrafal beach, where you can relax after the visit. The Tarrafal lighthouse and nearby beaches are also worth a detour.
Getting there
Tarrafal (Chão Bom) is on the north coast of Santiago, about 70 km from Praia. Minibuses („Aluguer”) and taxis run from Praia - the journey takes a little over an hour.
Insider tip
Take time to read the informational exhibition in the former administrative building - it gives deep insights into political repression. A morning visit avoids the worst heat and is quieter.
Geography
Facts
- Opened on October 29, 1936, for political prisoners.
- At least 32 Portuguese detainees died during the first phase.
- Reopened in 1961 as the 'Chão Bom Labor Camp'.
- Finally closed on May 1, 1974, following the Carnation Revolution.
- Features a notorious isolation cell nicknamed the 'Frigideira'.
- Open to the public as a museum since the year 2000.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Tarrafal Concentration Camp (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What was the Tarrafal camp?
It was a penal colony for political prisoners of the Portuguese Salazar regime.
Is it a museum today?
Yes, it is now the 'Museu da Resistência' (Resistance Museum).
What are the opening hours?
Usually from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, often closed on Mondays.
Where exactly is the camp located?
It is located in Chão Bom, about 2 kilometers south of Tarrafal center.
Is the visit suitable for children?
Due to its heavy history, it is more suitable for older children and adults.
Tarrafal Concentration Camp: where is it located?
Tarrafal Concentration Camp is located in Cape Verde.
Tarrafal Concentration Camp: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ceramic Arts Museum, Silverbeach.
Tarrafal Concentration Camp: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, May.
Tarrafal Concentration Camp: why is it worth visiting?
The Tarrafal Concentration Camp, also known as the 'Camp of Slow Death,' was established in 1936 by the Portuguese Estado Novo regime under António de Oliveira Salazar.
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