Story and significance
About
Located on Santiago Island in Cabo Verde, Cidade Velha is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first European colonial outpost in the tropics.
Timeline, heritage and stories
Heritage
Cidade Velha is considered the cradle of Cabo Verde history. Founded in 1462, this port city became a crucial hub for the transatlantic slave trade. The historic streets, original stone structures, and the famous Pelourinho (Pillory) reflect its colonial past.
Visitors can explore the ruins of the old cathedral and historical churches to understand the cultural evolution of the island. For precise location details, check the Map section.
Practical notes before you go
Visit
- Type
- Historic sites
- Tip
- Opening hours and ticket rules may vary by season.
Related places around here
Nearby
Historic sites
12
Historic sites
Fort Real de São Filipe
As the first military fortification in Cabo Verde , this fortress was built in the late 16th century to protect Cidade Velha from pirate attacks.
Historic sites
Pedra de Lume Salt Crater
Located inside an extinct volcanic crater on Sal Island, Pedra de Lume is a historical salt production site of Cabo Verde dating back to the 18th century.
Historic sites
Port of Tarrafal
Located in the heart of Tarrafal de São Nicolau , this historic port is the main gateway to the island. It holds significant importance for maritime trade and fishing history in Cabo Verde .
Historic sites
Church of Saint Francis of Assisi
The most important religious and historical building in Tarrafal de São Nicolau , this church carries elegant traces of colonial architecture. It is one of the landmarks of religious heritage in Cabo Verde .
Historic sites
Santo Amaro Church
Located in the town center of Tarrafal , the Santo Amaro Church is the iconic landmark of religious architecture in this region of Cabo Verde .
Historic sites
Tarrafal Concentration Camp
The former political prison located in Tarrafal stands as one of the darkest monuments of the colonial era in Cabo Verde .
Historic sites
Santo Amaro Abilio Church
The historical church located in the center of Tarrafal is a major landmark reflecting the city's religious heritage and colonial architectural style.
Historic sites
Cidade Velha Historic Site
Located on Santiago, the largest island of the Sotavento Islands group, Cidade Velha is the first capital of Cabo Verde and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Historic sites
Fortaleza Real de Sao Filipe
Situated on Santiago island in the Sotavento Islands region, this historic fortress was constructed to defend the coastlines of Cabo Verde from pirates.
Historic sites
Belém Tower
Built as a replica of the famous tower in Lisbon, this historical structure keeps the maritime past and colonial memories of São Vicente island alive on the waterfront.
Historic sites
Palácio do Povo
Formerly known as the Palácio Governador, this grand pink colonial palace showcases the administrative history and grand neo-classical architecture of São Vicente island.
Historic sites
Picos Historical Center
The historical area preserving the traditional architectural fabric of Picos, the seat of the São Salvador do Mundo municipality.