Tower of Tombo Vaults

The Vaults, at the time, served as a temporary shelter for the first settlers arriving from Pernambuco, Brazil, aboard the vessel “Tentativa Feliz”, in 1849.

They are located among the rocks, in Moçâmedes Bay, behind the fishing area. These natural caves are part of the historical memory of the foundation of the city and are associated with the first settlers who arrived on the southern coast of Angola in the 19th century.
Later, fishermen and navigators from the Algarve also used these natural caves as a refuge.
In addition to their historical value, the site holds archaeological and cultural significance due to the inscriptions engraved on the cave walls, considered ancient testimonies of human presence in the region.

Part of these historical records was documented and preserved in archives linked to the former National Archive of Torre do Tombo, a fact that is believed to have given rise to the name “Tombo Tower” associated with the neighborhood and the caves.
Currently, the Tower of Tombo Vaults are recognized as a historical heritage site of Namibe and are considered among the most emblematic tourist and cultural landmarks of the province.