Cidade Velha

Founded in 1462, it is the oldest settlement in Cape Verde and its former capital. Once called Ribeira Grande, its name was changed to Cidade Velha in the late 18th century. It is the seat of the Ribeira Grande de Santiago municipality. Some of the meticulously planned original design of the site is still intact, including a royal fortress, two churches and a 16th-century town square.

Cidade Velha

Founded in 1462, it is the oldest settlement in Cape Verde and its former capital. Once called Ribeira Grande, its name was changed to Cidade Velha in the late 18th century. It is the seat of the Ribeira Grande de Santiago municipality. Some of the meticulously planned original design of the site is still intact, including a royal fortress, two churches and a 16th-century town square.

Today, Cidade Velha is an Atlantic shipping stop and center for Creole culture. The city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World in 2009.With a geostrategic position, Old Town served as a bridge of communication between Africa and America. The islands of Cape Verde played an important role in the process of spreading slave trade. The Portuguese settlers made the port of Ribeira Grande, now the Old Town, a strong and exclusive point of slave trade to Europe and America, where slaves brought from the African coast were trained and sent to the new world.

Highlights

Know the stories and charms hidden in each experience

Banana's Street

A trace of the original architecture of the 15th century, with its whitewashed houses and thatched roofs, from this street you can enjoy the vegetation along Ribeira Grande

Banana's Street

A trace of the original architecture of the 15th century, with its whitewashed houses and thatched roofs, from this street you can enjoy the vegetation along Ribeira Grande

Royal Fortress

The São Felipe Fortress is located at the entrance of the city, a building with walled structures, easily accessible, its surrounding area is a true viewpoint. Constructed in 1587–93. This fort was built as defence from pirate attacks (mainly French and English). The elevation is 120 m above sea level.

Royal Fortress

The São Felipe Fortress is located at the entrance of the city, a building with walled structures, easily accessible, its surrounding area is a true viewpoint. Constructed in 1587–93. This fort was built as defence from pirate attacks (mainly French and English). The elevation is 120 m above sea level.

Se Cathedral

The first cathedral built in the West African coast in 1556 and completed in 1705, on the initiative of Friar Francisco da Cruz, in a privileged position, facing the ocean. Its impressive ruins (the church was 60 m long) have been conserved in 2004. the ruined convent of São Francisco, built in 1657 on a slope outside the city centre. The convent church has been restored in 2002.

Se Cathedral

The first cathedral built in the West African coast in 1556 and completed in 1705, on the initiative of Friar Francisco da Cruz, in a privileged position, facing the ocean. Its impressive ruins (the church was 60 m long) have been conserved in 2004. the ruined convent of São Francisco, built in 1657 on a slope outside the city centre. The convent church has been restored in 2002.

Nossa Senhora de Rosário's Church

One of the examples of sub-Saharan Gothic architecture, Manueline style the founding element of this building, built in honor of Our Lady of Rosario patron saint of black men. The oldest colonial church in the world, built in 1495.

Nossa Senhora de Rosário's Church

One of the examples of sub-Saharan Gothic architecture, Manueline style the founding element of this building, built in honor of Our Lady of Rosario patron saint of black men. The oldest colonial church in the world, built in 1495.

Pillory

Reected in 1512 or 1520. At this marble pillar rebellious slaves were punished publicly. It was restored in the 1960s. It stands at the main square of the city.

Pillory

Reected in 1512 or 1520. At this marble pillar rebellious slaves were punished publicly. It was restored in the 1960s. It stands at the main square of the city.

São Roque Chape

A historical heritage located in the upper part of the city near Fortaleza Real, A small building that is in good condition

São Roque Chape

A historical heritage located in the upper part of the city near Fortaleza Real, A small building that is in good condition

Projects

Projects

Biodiversity Protection

Protect the habitat of a set of animal and plant species, SEABIRDS, the aquatic environment, such as FISH, CETACETOs, SEA TURTLES

Biodiversity Protection

Protect the habitat of a set of animal and plant species, SEABIRDS, the aquatic environment, such as FISH, CETACETOs, SEA TURTLES

Beach Cleaning

This project aims to keep community beaches always clean and at the same time create local jobs

Beach Cleaning

This project aims to keep community beaches always clean and at the same time create local jobs

Empower Women

This project aims to help women in the community keep tradition and culture alive by teaching children

Empower Women

This project aims to help women in the community keep tradition and culture alive by teaching children

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