In the centre of the city of Praia, on the well‑known Plateau, stands the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça – one of the oldest and most symbolically important sacred buildings in the Republic of Cabo Verde. It is a place closely connected to the local community and, at the same time, one of the most visited points of the capital for both residents and tourists from around the world.
Here, a project is taking shape that has no equivalent under Cape Verdean conditions. It has been launched thanks to the exceptional personal commitment of Ing. Mónica Sofia Duarte, MBA, and her longstanding relationship with the Cape Verdean Catholic Church. These ties are not formal – they are built upon years of experience and mutual trust. Thanks to this, it became possible to create a plan that combines the work of leading Czech specialists and Cape Verdean craftsmen.
The extensive project will be financed through Mónica Sofia’s personal contributions as well as by the development and investment group DuarGema Group, where Ms Duarte is the majority shareholder. These funds will then be allocated to the Foundation Esperança Cabo Verde, which will organise and supervise all reconstruction and restoration activities.
“Breathing new life into the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça is, for me, a deeply personal and spiritual act,” says Mónica Sofia.
The main structure of the church remains solid, but years of tropical climate have left their mark on the details that define its character. Among the most significant tasks is the repair of the roof, which must be opened, its original structural beams inspected, and the existing ceramic tiles replaced with new ones designed to last for many decades. Windows represent another major chapter – their complete replacement is technically and financially demanding but appears to be necessary.
The reconstruction further includes the ceiling, pews, floor renewal, new plasterwork, stucco and paint, as well as the renovation of sanitary facilities. A separate area of work is the restoration of paintings, sculptures and other artistic elements, which will be carried out with the utmost respect for the historical value and spiritual significance of the church.
Specialised teams are involved in the project under the personal coordination of Mónica Sofia. The technical restoration and reconstruction work will be led by the team of Ing. Petr Justa, a respected expert with extensive international experience. Restoration of sculptures and paintings will be undertaken by academic painter Martin Martan, a specialist with deep experience in historical and sacred works. Roofing and primary plastering will be performed by local Cape Verdean craftsmen, who are thoroughly familiar with local conditions and traditional techniques, while stucco work and final finishes will be carried out by Czech specialists. The production and installation of windows will be managed by the Czech team in cooperation with local workers.
The project is currently in the phase of finalising documentation, selecting materials and preparing the work schedule. It is a major undertaking that brings together professional expertise, international experience and deep respect for the local community and Cape Verdean spiritual tradition.
The restoration of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça will have a significant historical, cultural and spiritual impact. The church will gain renewed dignity, aesthetic quality and long‑term sustainability. It will become a space that will delight not only the faithful but also every visitor to the city of Praia. This is a project that will carry beauty and value for many generations to come.
