· CV

Cidade Velha

Cidade Velha, Ribeira Grande de Santiago, Cabo Verde

Step Back in Time at Cidade Velha, Cape Verde Journey to the birthplace of Cape Verdean history and culture in Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled on the sun-drenched island of Santiago. More than just ru…

#historic site#UNESCO World Heritage#colonial architecture#fortress#tourist destination

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Cidade Velha.

Top Hotels in Cidade Velha

Top Flights to Cidade Velha

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Cidade Velha.

Tours

Explore the Historic Ruins

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cidade Velha, including the first European colonial settlement in the tropics.

Shopping

Shopping in Local Market

Experience the local culture by shopping for crafts and traditional products.

Outdoor

Hiking up to Fortaleza Real de São Filipe

Challenge yourself with a hike up to this fort offering panoramic views of the island and ocean.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Cidade Velha.

Currency

$ | CVE | Cape Verdean Escudo

Population

Not Available

Languages

Portuguese, Portuguese

Average weather

Cidade Velha

Jan

26°20°

Feb

26°19°

Mar

27°19°

Apr

27°20°

May

28°21°

Jun

29°22°

Jul

30°24°

Aug

30°25°

Sep

31°25°

Oct

30°24°

Nov

29°23°

Dec

27°21°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Cidade Velha.

What people love

Cidade Velha in Cabo Verde, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers several advantages for travelers:

Historical significance: Cidade Velha is considered the oldest European city in the tropics, with a rich history dating back to the 15th century. Travelers can explore historic sites such as the Royal Fortress of São Filipe, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace, and the Pelourinho Square.
Cultural immersion: Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by interacting with the friendly residents, sampling traditional Cape Verdean cuisine, and experiencing live music performances.
Scenic beauty: Cidade Velha is situated along the coast, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged landscapes. Travelers can relax on picturesque beaches, go hiking in the surrounding hills, or take a boat tour to explore nearby islands.
Authentic experiences: Unlike more touristy destinations, Cidade Velha provides an authentic glimpse into Cape Verdean life, allowing travelers to connect with the local community and gain a deeper understanding of the country's culture and traditions.

Overall, traveling to Cidade Velha offers a unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and authentic experiences that can make for a memorable and enriching trip.

What to know

There are several potential cons to traveling to Cidade Velha in Cabo Verde, including:

Limited Accommodation Options: Cidade Velha is a small town and may have limited options for accommodations, which could make it challenging to find suitable lodging.
Lack of Modern Amenities: As a historical town, Cidade Velha may not have the same level of modern amenities and facilities that travelers are accustomed to in more developed tourist destinations.
Limited Dining Options: Similarly, the town may have a limited selection of restaurants and dining options, which could be a drawback for travelers looking for a variety of culinary experiences.
Safety Concerns: While Cabo Verde is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, travelers should always exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, especially in more remote or less touristy areas like Cidade Velha.
Language Barrier: The official language of Cabo Verde is Portuguese, and while English may be spoken in tourist areas, travelers may encounter language barriers in more local or off-the-beaten-path destinations like Cidade Velha.
Remote Location: Cidade Velha is located on the island of Santiago, which is not as easily accessible as some of the more popular tourist destinations in Cabo Verde. Travelers may need to take additional transportation, such as a ferry or domestic flight, to reach the town.

Overall, while Cidade Velha offers unique historical and cultural attractions, travelers should be aware of the potential limitations and challenges associated with visiting this destination.

Cidade Velha, located on the island of Santiago in Cape Verde, is a site of great historical significance. It is recognized as the oldest settlement in Cape Verde and was originally called Ribeira Grande. Founded by Portuguese settlers in 1462, it became a crucial port and trading hub during the Age of Discovery.

Significant Events:

Foundation and Early Settlement (1462): Cidade Velha was established by the Portuguese as Ribeira Grande, marking the beginning of European colonization in Cape Verde. It quickly became an important stopover for ships traveling to Africa and the Americas.
Slave Trade Era: During the 16th and 17th centuries, Cidade Velha played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade. It was a key point for the exchange of enslaved Africans, who were shipped to Europe, the Americas, and other parts of Africa.
Pirate Attacks (1585): The town was a target for several pirate attacks. Notably, in 1585, it was sacked by the English privateer Sir Francis Drake, who caused significant damage to the town.
Decline in Importance: Over time, the town's importance waned as other ports gained prominence, and Cidade Velha faced economic challenges. The capital was moved to Praia in 1770, leading to a further decline.

Historical Figures:

António da Noli: An Italian navigator in the service of Portugal, who is credited with discovering some of the Cape Verde islands and becoming the first governor of Ribeira Grande.
Sir Francis Drake: The famed English privateer who attacked Cidade Velha in 1585, contributing to its historical narrative of resilience and defense.

Important Landmarks:

The Royal Fortress of São Filipe: Built in the late 16th century to protect the town from pirate attacks, this fortress remains a significant historical site and offers panoramic views of the area.
Pelourinho (Pillory): This historic stone pillar in the town square symbolizes colonial justice and is a reminder of the town's past in the slave trade.
Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church: Constructed in the late 15th century, it is one of the oldest colonial churches in the world, showcasing Manueline and Gothic architectural styles.
Rua Banana: One of the oldest streets in sub-Saharan Africa, lined with traditional stone houses, reflecting the architectural heritage of the early settlers.
Convento de São Francisco and Sé Catedral: Although in ruins, these structures highlight the religious and cultural history of the town.

UNESCO World Heritage Status:

In 2009, Cidade Velha was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical significance as the first European colonial settlement in the tropics and its role in the early history of the Atlantic slave trade.

Cidade Velha remains a vital cultural and historical landmark, offering insights into the early colonial history of Cape Verde and the broader Atlantic world.