The Most Famous Sightseeing Attractions of Cidade Velha

Cidade Velha, which means “Old City” in Portuguese, is a small town located on the island of Santiago in Cape Verde. It was the first European colonial settlement in the tropics and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.Cidade Velha offers a unique blend of European architecture and African culture, making it a must-visit destination for tourists exploring Cape Verde. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the most famous sightseeing attractions of Cidade Velha.

Cidade Velha Square

The main square in Cidade Velha is the heart of the town and is surrounded by some of the most important historical sites. The square was once the site of the town’s slave market, but now it is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosario

Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosario is a beautiful 16th-century church located on the town square. It was one of the first churches built by the Portuguese in the New World and is a stunning example of colonial architecture. The church serves as a reminder of the town’s colonial past and is a significant religious site for the people of Cidade Velha.

Forte Real de Sao Felipe

Forte Real de Sao Felipe is a large fort overlooking the town and the sea. It was built in the 16th century to defend against pirates and other invaders. The fort served as a military base for several centuries and was even used as a prison in the 20th century. Visitors can explore the fort and enjoy panoramic views of the town and the ocean.

Casa do Tabanka Museum

Casa do Tabanka is a small museum dedicated to the Tabanka celebration, a traditional festival in the Cape Verdean culture. The museum is housed in a colonial-style building and features exhibits on the history and significance of the Tabanka festival. The festival is celebrated every year in Cidade Velha and is a lively event with music, dancing, and food.

Pillory Square

Pillory Square is a small square located near the town’s main entrance. It was once the site of public punishments such as whippings and hangings. The square features a pillory, which was used to punish criminals by locking them in the stockade. Today, the square is a quiet and peaceful place to reflect on the town’s dark past.

Nossa Senhora da Graca

Nossa Senhora da Graca is a beautiful church located on a hill overlooking Cidade Velha. The church was built in the 18th century and features stunning Baroque architecture. Visitors can climb the hill to visit the church and enjoy the views of the town and the sea.

Final Thoughts

Cidade Velha is a unique and fascinating destination in Cape Verde. From its colonial architecture to its rich cultural heritage, the town offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, religion, or just want to soak up some sun and enjoy the beautiful scenery, Cidade Velha is definitely worth a visit. With these famous sightseeing attractions, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

The Insider’s Guide to Cidade Velha: Exploring the Most Famous Sightseeing Attractions

Cidade Velha, located on the island of Santiago, is the oldest continuously inhabited city of Cape Verde and was the Atlantic hub of the slave trade. Beautiful, historic, and fascinating, it boasts of many tourist attractions and cultural experiences that you should not miss. Here is an insider’s guide to help you explore the top things to do and see in this captivating city.

Top Tourist Attractions

The city offers a variety of famous sightseeing attractions to explore. Here are some of the highly recommended:

Pelourinho

Pelourinho was once the place where public floggings were held by the Portuguese slave traders during colonial days. It is now a monument that commemorates the struggles of the enslaved Africans and their descendants. Along with a mix of colonial architecture, you will find bright-colored buildings, street vendors, shooting game arcades, souvenir stores, and more.

Ruins of Sao Filipe

The ruins of Sao Filipe, a majestic fortress, are situated on top of a steep hill and overlook the sea. It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century to defend against naval attackers. It now stands tall as a ruined and preserved monument of a bygone era.

Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário

Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário is a beautiful and historic church that was built in the 15th century. It survived earthquakes and remained relevant, even when slavery ended. Today, it is a famous landmark and a symbol of faith and hope in the city.

Local Dining Spots

A trip to Cape Verde is incomplete without trying out local delicacies. Take a culinary adventure and indulge in some delicious food at these local dining spots:

Bica d’Areia

Bica d’Areia is a welcoming restaurant that serves traditional and local Cape Verdean cuisine. It is a place where you will be welcomed with smiling faces, friendly service, and generous portions of delicious fish dishes.

Atlantis

Atlantis is a famous seafood restaurant and a perfect spot to enjoy the culinary delights of Cidade Velha. The restaurant offers live music, excellent service, and a wide range of fresh and delicious seafood that will impress even the most traveled food critics.

Cultural Experiences

Cidade Velha is a culturally rich city, and it is worth exploring to experience the traditional and modern way of life. Here are some cultural experiences you will not want to miss:

Enriching Museums

Visit the Museu da Tabanca or the Museu da Historia Natural e Etnografia to explore the city’s rich slave-trade history and unique biodiversity.

Traditional Celebrations

Enjoy the traditional Cape Verdean celebrations, Carnaval, or Festival da Praia, full of colorful costumes, music, and dancing.

Local History

The history of Cidade Velha dates back to the 15th century and preserved remarkably well through the years. Here are some of the top historical sites to explore:

Praia do Tarrafal

Tarrafal, located approximately 70 km from Cidade Velha, was once the detention spot for Portuguese political exiles. The beach now offers excellent opportunities for relaxation as well as a memorium center to commemorate the political prisons of Cape Verde.

Fortress of Real de Sao Filipe

Built-in 1590, this fortress played a crucial role in Cape Verde’s history, as it served as a defensive point against the French, English, and Dutch attackers during the colonial era. The fortress overlooks the city and offers breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding villages.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Cidade Velha is a city full of mysteries and secrets that go beyond the typical tourist spots. Here are some off-the-beaten-path recommendations for the curious traveler:

Monte Verde Natural Park

Monte Verde Natural Park is one of the best and least explored hiking trails in Cape Verde. It is an incredible and peaceful spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park boasts of unusual vegetation and flora, waterfalls, and an exceptional panoramic view of the city and the sea.

Cape Verdean Family House

Get a glimpse of the local life and traditions of Cape Verde by visiting a traditional Cape Verdean Family House. Here you will learn about the local life of the people in Cidade Velha and their typical customs and traditions.

In conclusion, Cidade Velha offers a combination of fantastic tourist attractions, incredible culinary delights, rich culture, and thrilling off-the-beaten-path experiences. Embrace the beauty and heritage of this fascinating city by exploring all the popular destinations and spots, as well as getting to know the locals and their lifestyle.