Principe history

The history of Principe island begins in the Age of Discovery. This picturesque part of the state of Sao Tome and Principe was discovered by Portuguese navigators in 1471. Initially, the land was named Santo Antão, but it was later renamed "Prince's Island" in honour of the heir to the Portuguese throne, who was entitled to a tithe of the income from local sugar plantations.

Key Development Factors

• Geographical Location: The island's volcanic origin provided it with incredibly fertile soils, while the humid equatorial climate created ideal conditions for lush vegetation.
• Strategic Importance: Its convenient location in the Gulf of Guinea made the island an important stopover for replenishing fresh water and food supplies for vessels travelling between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first centuries of its existence, the region's economy was built around sugar cane cultivation. This turned the island into a thriving agricultural hub. Later, in the 19th century, the focus shifted to coffee and cocoa production, bringing the region global renown. The blend of European traditions and African heritage laid the foundation for a distinct local culture, which is evident in the architecture of the old "roças" estates and the unique lifestyle of the islanders.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1471 — Portuguese navigators discover the uninhabited island in the Gulf of Guinea and name it Santo Antão.
• 1500 — The island is renamed Principe ("Prince's Island") in honour of the heir to the Portuguese throne, who received income from local sugar plantations.
• 1502 — The first permanent settlement is founded, and active cultivation of sugar cane begins, becoming the backbone of the economy.
• 1753 — The administrative centre of the colony is moved from Sao Tome to the city of Santo António on Principe due to the threat of pirate attacks.
• 1822 — The first cocoa seedlings are imported to the island from Brazil, subsequently bringing the region world fame as a producer of raw chocolate materials.
• 1852 — The capital of the colony of Sao Tome and Principe returns to the neighbouring island, and Principe transitions to a more measured pace of life.
• 1919 — British astrophysicist Arthur Eddington observes a solar eclipse at the Roça Sundy plantation, experimentally confirming Einstein's theory of relativity.
• 1975 — The country gains independence from Portugal, and the island becomes part of a sovereign democratic republic.
• 1995 — Principe receives the status of an autonomous region with its own government, expanding the rights of local residents.
• 2012 — The island is officially included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO, cementing its status as a unique natural site.

The development of the Principe region is inextricably linked to cycles of agrarian production and changes in administrative status. These key stages shaped the modern appearance of the island and its main settlement — Santo António.

• Gaining Capital Status (1753)
  Moving the administrative centre of the colony from Sao Tome to Santo António turned the local port into the archipelago's main hub for a whole century. This decision stimulated initial urban development, street planning, and the strengthening of defensive fortifications.
• Era of Coffee and Cocoa Plantations (19th Century)
  The introduction of large-scale cocoa farming led to the creation of unique "roças" infrastructure — autonomous agricultural estates with their own roads, aqueducts, and housing. This economic restructuring integrated Sao Tome and Principe into global trade.
• Sanitary Modernisation (Early 20th Century)
  A successful campaign to eradicate sleeping sickness and drain swamps became a critically important milestone. Improving sanitary conditions stopped the population outflow and allowed the demographic situation to stabilise, providing the city with necessary labour resources.
• Scientific Recognition (1919)
  Arthur Eddington's expedition, which confirmed the theory of relativity at the Roça Sundy plantation, gave the location global cultural significance. This event laid the foundation for positioning the island as a unique scientific landmark.
• Political Autonomy (1995)
  Obtaining Autonomous Region status gave the local government the ability to independently manage the budget. This accelerated the resolution of local issues: airport reconstruction, road repairs, and support for small businesses.
• Ecological Reorientation (2012)
  The inclusion of the island in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO defined modern urban planning policy. The priority became sustainable ecotourism and the restoration of colonial heritage rather than industrial construction.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architectural landscape of Principe island represents a unique reserve of colonial history, where time seems to have stood still in the early 20th century. Urban development in the region proceeded along two parallel paths: the formation of a cosy urban environment in the administrative centre and the creation of powerful autonomous agro-industrial complexes — "roças" — scattered deep within the tropical forests.

Main Eras and Styles

The development of Sao Tome and Principe directly reflects the economic cycles experienced by the colony, from the sugar era to the coffee and cocoa boom.

• Colonial Style (18th–19th centuries): Dominates the residential buildings of the island's capital. A prime example is the "sobrado" style houses — two-storey structures where the ground floor was built of stone for commercial needs, and the second, residential floor, was built of wood. Characteristic features include high ceilings, large shuttered windows, and spacious verandas for natural ventilation.
• Provincial Baroque (with elements of Mannerism): Can be traced in religious architecture. Catholic churches here are distinguished by restrained decor, symmetrical facades, and characteristic figured pediments adapted to local materials.
• Plantation Eclecticism and Industrial Style (Late 19th – Early 20th century): The flourishing of cocoa production led to the appearance of monumental estates. The architecture of the "roças" mixed elements of European neoclassicism (in the owners' houses) and utilitarian industrial design (in hospitals, warehouses, and cocoa dryers).

Iconic Buildings and Districts

The appearance of Principe is formed not by skyscrapers, but by historical ensembles harmoniously blended into the landscape, many of which are now finding new life as hotels or museums.

• Santo António: The main city of the island has retained the charm of a Portuguese settlement. Its layout follows the classical colonial scheme with a central square, gardens, and pastel-coloured administrative buildings.
• Roça Sundy: An outstanding example of plantation architecture. The main house of the estate resembles European country villas with elements of neo-gothic and classicism. It is here that the historic buildings have been preserved, against the backdrop of which Arthur Eddington conducted his famous observations.
• Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição: The main architectural landmark of Santo António. The building with two bell towers is the centre of spiritual life and an example of adapting Portuguese church architecture to tropical conditions.
• Roça Belo Monte: An estate located on an elevation, combining the elegance of residential mansions with large-scale industrial infrastructure, demonstrating the region's former economic power.

Notable Figures

The history of Principe island is rich with the names of people whose activities influenced not only the development of the region but also left a mark on world science and culture. From the age of navigators to modern artists — here are the key figures associated with this corner of Sao Tome and Principe.

• Pêro Escobar
  Role: Portuguese navigator and explorer.
  Significance: In 1471, commanding one of the caravels of the expedition, he discovered this uninhabited island. His discovery put the archipelago on world maps and marked the beginning of the settlement and development of these lands.
• Infante D. João
  Role: Prince of Portugal (future King John III).
  Significance: It was in his honour that in 1500 the island, previously called Santo Antão, received the name "Principe" (Prince's Island). Income from local sugar plantations was designated personally for the heir to the throne.
• Arthur Stanley Eddington
  Role: British astrophysicist and mathematician.
  Significance: In 1919, he led a scientific expedition to the Roça Sundy plantation. His observations of the solar eclipse on the island allowed for the experimental confirmation of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, which became a turning point in 20th-century physics.
• Marcelo da Veiga
  Role: Poet, publicist, and landowner.
  Significance: A native of the island (1892–1976) who became one of the founders of national literature. In his poems, he celebrated the beauty of his native land and the distinctiveness of the islanders, anticipating ideas of regional cultural identity.
• Camilo Domingos
  Role: Singer and composer.
  Significance: One of the most famous musicians of the archipelago, born on Principe. His work played an important role in popularising local music on the international stage, combining traditional rhythms with modern genres.