Vasco da Gama Pillar
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Vasco Da Gama pillar is a historical monument or site in the Kenyan coast in Malindi , the monument dates backs to pre-Colonial time , in the 14th century, it located on the sea front road along the beach , the pillar was built by one of the greatest Portuguese explorer by the name Vasco Da Gama, who happened to be at Malindi Kenya back then , and thus the name of historical monuments Vasco Da Gama. Malindi was well know for trade. The trans-saharan trade route, trading goods included, gold,salt, precious,metals, such as copper and iron used for making weapon's and farming tools, other goods were ivory, spices, material such as skins,cloth and leather, and slaves from Africa were consider a special "commodity" so sad, to consider humans as a commodity...back to Vasco da gama pillar , the monument was erected in 1498 by the explorer Vasco Da Gama, the pillar was first erected at the sheiks house but later removed and re-erect where it is today as per our beautiful picture, please take a second look again. The pillar and the cross are both made from original Portuguese limestones material. The monument has become the most renown attraction site for both local and international tourist visiting Malindi ...other major site to visit while in Malindi include the Gede Ruins, Mida Creeks, Arabuko sokoke National Reserve, the Malindi Marine national park amongst others
Adams ManyaAdams Manya
10
Vasco da Gama pillar is one of the points of pride of Malindi built by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498. The Vasco da Gama Pillar is named after Vasco da Gama, one of the most famous and celebrated explorers of the Age of Discovery. Vasco da Gama pillar is right at the shores of Coco beach on Silversand Road. We went at noon, which with the sun can make you dehydrated, and advised you to hydrate a lot. It's shocking to know that the tides can get high to a point that the pillar is inaccessible at some times. There has been a concern about the water levels and at the time of the visit, the walls surrounding the pillar looked new to protect the pillar from rising water levels. It was nothing less of a learning experience about the rich history of Malindi. The entrance fee is Kes 100 per person that you use to access the pillar, Portuguese Chapel, House of Chapel, and Malindi Museum with guides fees at Kes 500.
Michael RighaMichael Righa
10
Alla fine del 15° secolo i portoghesi sbarcarono sulle coste del Kenya: Vasco da Gama, che rimane una pietra miliare nella storia di Malindi, fu il loro precursore. Erano passati pochi anni dalla scoperta dell'America e i ricchi commercianti arabi della costa orientale dell'Africa non vedevano di buon occhio l'arrivo della concorrenza, ma mentre tutti rifiutarono ospitalità ai portoghesi lo Sceicco al Bauri di Malindi li accolse a braccia aperte, tanto che aiutò da Gama indicandogli, grazie ad un esperto navigatore (lo yemenita Ahmad ibn Majid ibn Muhammad al-Saʿdi al-Jaddi al-Najdi), la strada fino in India. A ricordo di quella accoglienza nel 1499, al ritorno del suo viaggio in India, il navigatore portoghese fece costruire il Vasco da Gama Pillar o Cruz Padrão, un pilastro sormontato da una croce che veniva fatta erigere come riferimento per i naviganti (Padrão significa pilastro di navigazione. I Padrãos assumevano diversi significati come gli stessi viaggi in tutto il continente africano. I Padrãos non hanno solo agito come aiuti alla navigazione portoghese, ma proclamarono la terra intorno a loro come cristiana e appartenente al Regno del Portogallo). Il pilastro (Cruz Padrão) fu originariamente costruito fuori dal Palazzo dello Sceicco in città (dove oggi si trovano i vecchi tribunali o poco lontano nei pressi di una vecchia moschea nel quartiere di Shella sul lungomare), ma la sua connotazione cristiana causò malcontento tra i musulmani e fu ben presto rimosso e spostato, sotto insistenza portoghese, nella attuale posizione, nel punto più a Sud della baia di Malindi, dai monaci nel corso del XVI secolo. È uno dei più vecchi monumenti europei rimasti in Africa. La croce cristiana è di originale pietra calcarea di Lisbona, mentre la sottile colonna, sempre di calcare di Lisbona, è stata sostituita con un pilastro a forma di cono in corallo locale. Nel 1873, il capitano Malcolm fece ricoprire il pilastro a cono con del cemento per sostenere la croce. Nel 1986, dei pilastri di cemento sono stati messi sotto la grande base di corallo a supporto della rottura in pezzi del corallo morto e per fermare la caduta in mare della colonna. Ma l'arrivo degli europei fu l'inizio della fine e coincise con l'avvio della tratta degli schiavi, con il saccheggio della città e con il conseguente declino di Malindi, che in quegli anni conosce il periodo più buio della sua storia.
Stefano NegriStefano Negri
50
Witnessing History! After spending quite some time trying to find the right location to access the monument we finally go there. Signage is pretty much non-existent and you park by some houses and a restaurant/bar for before making you way down a narrow street for access. You purchase your ticket, which also provides access to two other sites – the museum and Portuguese Church. It was busy when we visited with several other groups (a school group and others) which made it a little difficult to take pictures without interruption or others in the frame. Which meant we spent more time there than would otherwise have needed. However, the age of the Pillar is significant and interesting and the view is magnificent.
Elias Mulugeta HordofaElias Mulugeta Hordofa
70
Vasco Da Gama Pillar is a great monument in Malindi. This was built in 1498 by Vasco Da Gamba. The location is in a nice view close to the ocean. This place also called Golden sand beach by the locals. You have to pay at the entrance and this single ticket will be eligible to visit the museum and the Portuguese chapel in Malindi. A guide will be provided to you if you like you can offer him little money. There will an opportunity you to go to the ocean with a boat if you want, but you have to pay additional money.
David KanagaretnamDavid Kanagaretnam
00
Found the place under disrepair with construction of a toilet ongoing. For a pillar with such historical significance, there is barely any signage to get one there. Maps itself isn't sure where to direct one. We found a parking spot near coco beach and proceeded down a narrow entry way. I feel more explanation and emphasis on the importance of the monument is needed with explainers around it. Even the seats that one could rest on to view the open ocean have cracked and fallen off. Work is needed here.
Mwaniki NyagaMwaniki Nyaga
00
Nearby Attractions Of Vasco da Gama Pillar
Scorpio Villas
Portuguese Chapel
Oasis village Malindi
Beverly Key Suites
Afrikan Buffalo Wildlife Safaris
Coral Key Beach Resort
Pavillion Hill AppartHotel - Malindi
Park One Villas, Silversands rd.
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Portuguese Chapel
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Oasis village Malindi
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Nearby Restaurants Of Vasco da Gama Pillar
Baby Marrow - Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
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Mariposa Residence
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Description
The Vasco da Gama Pillar in Malindi, Kenya, was erected by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. It was constructed in 1498 or 1499 during his pioneering maritime expedition from Lisbon to India via the Cape of Good Hope. Vasco da Gama first visited Malindi from 15 to 24 April 1498.
attractions: Scorpio Villas, Portuguese Chapel, Oasis village Malindi, Beverly Key Suites, Afrikan Buffalo Wildlife Safaris, Coral Key Beach Resort, Pavillion Hill AppartHotel - Malindi, Park One Villas, Silversands rd., restaurants: Baby Marrow - Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Seafront Swahili Dishes, Coco Beach, Mariposa Residence
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