Travel Guide Cidade Velha

Cidade Velha, formerly known as Ribeira Grande, has been a focal point for the country for more than three centuries. The city was an exceptional crossroads of maritime trade, between the routes of Brazil, Africa and the Caribbean. However, repeated pirate attacks and the ultimate sacking by Francis Drake led to its downfall. It was built in 1587 to serve as a maritime port of call for the Portuguese colonization and became a crossroads of international maritime trade and above all an essential platform for the slave trade. Located west of Praia, about 12 km away, it has a population of about 3,000. A charming historical site, the atmosphere is friendly and the buildings recall the history of the country and its origins. The ruins of the imposing São Francisco Cathedral give it a romantic touch. In the centre of Cidade Velha stands the Pelourinho (pillory) square, with its marble column in Manueline style, the only emblematic remnant of the slavery era. It represents a symbol of the painful past of this obligatory stopover. Indeed, it is through this fortress that the African slaves were brought by force before reaching their sad fate in the Americas. The São Felipe fortress, built in 1585, has been restored in an exemplary manner and overlooks the bay, offering beautiful views. The seafront with its black sand beach is a colourful place where women make and sell their meat skewers. In 2009, Cidade Velha was the first Cape Verdean site to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.