Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande
Location: Santiago , Cape Verde
Year of Inscription: 2009
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Cidade Velha, or the "Old City," is a historic town located on the southern coast of the island of Santiago in Cape Verde. It was the first European colonial settlement in the tropics and served as a major center for the transatlantic slave trade. Today, Cidade Velha is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to several historic landmarks and museums.
Prominent Features: The most notable landmarks in Cidade Velha include the Royal Fortress of São Filipe, the Pelourinho (pillory), and the Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary). The Royal Fortress was built in the 16th century to protect the town from pirate attacks and is now a museum. The Pelourinho is a stone pillar used for public punishment during the slave trade era. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary was built in the 15th century and is one of the oldest churches in Cape Verde.
History: Cidade Velha was founded in 1462 by Portuguese explorers and served as the capital of the Cape Verde islands until the 18th century. The town was a major center for the transatlantic slave trade and was the site of several battles between European powers competing for control of the region. The town also played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in Africa and was a center for Catholic missionary activity.
Family-Friendly Activities: Praia de Quebra Canela is a beautiful beach located just a few kilometers from Cidade Velha. The beach offers calm waters and is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Fun Fact: Cidade Velha is home to the oldest standing European architectural structure in sub-Saharan Africa, the Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Royal Fortress of São Filipe museum is 400 Cape Verdean Escudos (approximately 4 USD) for adults and 200 CVE (approximately 2 USD) for children.
How to Reach it: Cidade Velha is located on the southern coast of the island of Santiago in Cape Verde. The easiest way to reach Cidade Velha is by flying into the country's capital city of Praia on the island of Santiago. From Praia, you can take a taxi or a local minibus to Cidade Velha, which is located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) to the west. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Where to Stay: Cidade Velha offers several accommodation options, including guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and small hotels. Some popular options include the Pousada Cidade Velha, the Casa Branca, and the Residencial Cosmos. Alternatively, you can stay in the nearby city of Praia, which offers a wider range of accommodation options.
Year of Inscription: 2009
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Cidade Velha, or the "Old City," is a historic town located on the southern coast of the island of Santiago in Cape Verde. It was the first European colonial settlement in the tropics and served as a major center for the transatlantic slave trade. Today, Cidade Velha is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to several historic landmarks and museums.
Prominent Features: The most notable landmarks in Cidade Velha include the Royal Fortress of São Filipe, the Pelourinho (pillory), and the Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary). The Royal Fortress was built in the 16th century to protect the town from pirate attacks and is now a museum. The Pelourinho is a stone pillar used for public punishment during the slave trade era. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary was built in the 15th century and is one of the oldest churches in Cape Verde.
History: Cidade Velha was founded in 1462 by Portuguese explorers and served as the capital of the Cape Verde islands until the 18th century. The town was a major center for the transatlantic slave trade and was the site of several battles between European powers competing for control of the region. The town also played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in Africa and was a center for Catholic missionary activity.
Family-Friendly Activities: Praia de Quebra Canela is a beautiful beach located just a few kilometers from Cidade Velha. The beach offers calm waters and is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Fun Fact: Cidade Velha is home to the oldest standing European architectural structure in sub-Saharan Africa, the Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Royal Fortress of São Filipe museum is 400 Cape Verdean Escudos (approximately 4 USD) for adults and 200 CVE (approximately 2 USD) for children.
How to Reach it: Cidade Velha is located on the southern coast of the island of Santiago in Cape Verde. The easiest way to reach Cidade Velha is by flying into the country's capital city of Praia on the island of Santiago. From Praia, you can take a taxi or a local minibus to Cidade Velha, which is located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) to the west. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Where to Stay: Cidade Velha offers several accommodation options, including guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and small hotels. Some popular options include the Pousada Cidade Velha, the Casa Branca, and the Residencial Cosmos. Alternatively, you can stay in the nearby city of Praia, which offers a wider range of accommodation options.