Campo da Morte Lenta (Tarrafal Concentration Camp)
Tarrafal
Campo da Morte Lenta, also known as the Tarrafal Concentration Camp, is a historic site and museum located in Chão Bom village, Tarrafal municipality, on Santiago Island, Cape Verde. Established in 1936 by the Portuguese Estado Novo regime, it served as a prison camp for political and social prisoners opposing the Salazar dictatorship. Its remote location and harsh climate were intentionally chosen to isolate and break prisoners through inhumane conditions, including forced labor, disease, and torture. The camp operated in two phases: the first (1936–1954) primarily held Portuguese anti-fascists, while the second (1961–1974) detained militants from Portuguese African colonies fighting for independence. Notorious features included the "Frigideira" or "frying pan," a torture chamber causing extreme suffering. After the Carnation Revolution in 1974, the camp was closed and later transformed into the Museum of Resistance in 2009, preserving the memory of anti-fascist and anti-colonial struggles. The museum offers exhibitions and an in situ circuit through the former prison complex, including living quarters of guards and administrative buildings, fostering cultural reflection and remembrance. Recognized as a National Heritage Site of Cape Verde, it is a significant symbol of resistance and human rights.
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Consiglio: Visit during weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00 for a comprehensive experience; the museum is closed on January 1 and 15, May 1, and December 25. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, with discounts available for children under 12, students, and seniors. Guided tours may enhance understanding of the site's historical significance.
Fatti interessanti
- •The camp was nicknamed 'Slow Death Camp' due to its harsh conditions.
- •The 'Frigideira' was a torture chamber with temperatures reaching 50-60°C, responsible for many prisoner deaths.
- •29 October is commemorated as 'Antifascist Resistance Day' in honor of those who suffered at Tarrafal.
- •The camp held prisoners from Portuguese African colonies during the colonial wars in its second phase.
- •The museum underwent a major requalification in 2021 to enhance its cultural and memorial functions.
Storia
The Tarrafal Concentration Camp was established in 1936 by the Portuguese Estado Novo regime to imprison political opponents and social prisoners.
Its location on Santiago Island was chosen for remoteness and harsh environmental conditions that facilitated prisoner suffering.
The first phase (1936–1954) focused on Portuguese anti-fascists, including notable figures such as Bento Gonçalves.
The camp was reopened in 1961 to detain militants from Angola, Guinea-Bissau, and Cape Verde involved in liberation struggles.
It was closed in 1974 following the Carnation Revolution and the fall of the Estado Novo dictatorship.
In 2009, it was converted into the Museum of Resistance, and in 2016 it was declared a National Heritage Site by the Cape Verde government.
Guida del luogo
Entrance Gate (Porta de Arma)1936
The main entrance to the camp, marking the beginning of the museum circuit, symbolizing the threshold between freedom and captivity.
Frigideira (The Frying Pan)1936-1954
A small, extremely hot punishment cell used to torture prisoners by exposing them to temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius.
Living Quarters and Administrative Buildings1936 onward
Former residences of camp officials, guards, and administrative offices, now part of the museum's exhibition spaces depicting daily life in the camp.
Holandinha1961-1974
A small confinement cell used during the second phase of the camp (1961-1974) for political prisoners from African liberation movements, similar in purpose to the Frigideira.
Contatto
Telefono: 262 33 83
