A Travel To The Past in Cidade Velha, Cape Verde

Following carrying out a full day Santiago Island Tour as well as a workshop, I had a 2nd day perfectly invested! I’m still in Santiago in Cape Verde, and this time, I explored the highlights of Cidade Velha, the country’s previous money.

This memorable working day was fun and fascinating, all many thanks to Bu Country Excursions and Maria – my information and my photographer that day! Haha. Fellas, she normally takes fantastic photos! Alright, without the need of additional ado, here’s how I put in my 2nd working day in Cidade Velha with Bu Region Tours.

About Cidade Velha

Cidade Velha is a metropolis in Santiago. It’s positioned on the southern portion of the island. Considering that it is the previous capital of Cape Verde, there are a ton of locations that can be explored here which I will share with you underneath. 

Highlights of My Cidade Velha Tour

Cidade Velha – now declared a Planet Heritage Site by UNESCO – with all its sights really should surely be frequented when checking out the island of Santiago. The originality was still preserved right here! Special impressions await anyone browsing listed here!

Cidade Velha

The moment I arrived in this town, I was welcomed by heartwarming people today! The town alone is wealthy in culture and record. It was established by Portuguese settlers and named it Ribeira Grande also recognised as Cideda Velha. This is also the cause why the city is identified as the birthplace of Cape Verdean nation and lifestyle. I was so happy that I was provided the opportunity to get to know this incredible town with awesome persons.

Fortaleza Serious de Sao Filipe

A single of the sites we visited in Cidade Velha, Fortaleza Serious de Sao Filipe. A go to to the fort previously mentioned Cidade Velha is a will have to. It has been largely restored in modern years, so individuals can nonetheless see its splendor up to this working day. I was blown away by the impressive all-round check out. Not only that, but it also offers insights of the wealthy earlier of the island. 

Se Catedral

The third location we went to was Se Catedral. The ruins are quite impressive simply because of their dimensions alone. Now only a couple walls have remained standing, but from below, you can also see grave slabs and have a lovely see of the castle and the town.

Pelourinho

A different will have to-stop by position in Cidade Velha. The “Pelourinho”, a pillory from 1512 that commemorates the record of the Ribeira Grande slave industry. At very first look, it seems like one more pillory, but as before long as I was explained to the tale of the slaves, I began to feel its real body weight and symbolism.

It is in the stunning square of the very same title, the place the regional distributors are concentrated and in front of the sea. The square is stunning and correctly suitable for locals offering fruit and several memento goods. 

Rua Banana

When we went to Rua Banana, it felt like we traveled back again in time. Here, you can see classic residences and banana trees in involving. Having to stroll by means of 1 of the oldest streets in Africa is anything to look forward to! It’s a rapid wander, but it’s surely a highlight in the beautiful Cidade Velha.

Nossa Senhora do Rosario Church

Following checking out Rua Banana, they took me to Nossa Senhora do Rosario Church. The church dates again from 1945. This is the place the slaves from West Africa were baptized prior to being shipped to Brazil.

Convento de Sao Francisco

This was our final stop in advance of we headed back to the lodge. The continues to be of Convento de Sao Francisco reward the short climb with a fantastic see in excess of the Ribeira Grande and the sea. Unfortunately, only pieces of the convent have survived, but it offers an impressive perception about the history of the town. 

We finished the tour with me still blown absent by the issues I uncovered that day. Even although plenty of smiling faces welcomed me, the tragic earlier of the city is anything we all should really admit.

By finding out all these, we can understand from it and make sure that a thing like this won’t at any time happen again now, and in the near foreseeable future.