Igreja de Santo António de Motael

Dili


This waterfront Catholic church, fronted by a pretty garden, was one of the most important places in the story of the fight for Timorese independence. Sebastião Gomes was shot dead here in 1991 by the Indonesian military; his funeral parade to Santa Cruz Cemetery attracted thousands and resulted in the Santa Cruz Massacre.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Dili attractions

1. Santa Cruz Massacre Memorial Monument

0.07 MILES

This sizeable monument opposite Motael Church marks where independence supporter Sebastião Gomes was shot by Indonesian forces on 28 October 1991. Built…

2. Farol

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This photogenic lighthouse beams northwest of Dili's seaport.

4. Resistência Timorense Arquivo e Museu

0.57 MILES

An excellent museum which commemorates in detail Timor-Leste's 24-year struggle against Indonesian occupation. Falintil’s resistance is brought to life…

5. Palácio do Governo

0.61 MILES

The grand, white Palácio do Governo dominates the town centre. The grounds here occasionally play host to events, but they're usually just a fancy car…

6. Dili Waterfront

0.74 MILES

Watch kids kicking soccer balls around on the patches of sandy beach and runners sweating it out while you're strolling the decent walking path that runs…

7. Xanana Gusmão Reading Room

0.94 MILES

This complex houses memorabilia of Timor-Leste's first president, Xanana Gusmão, including the former presidential car (he opted for a cheap one at the…

8. Centro Nacional Chega!

1.13 MILES

Set in the buildings and cells of a Portuguese-era prison where resistance figures were interned by the Indonesian military, Chega! (chega means 'stop' or…

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