Cidade Velha
Cidade Velha is a city in the southern part of the island of Santiago, Cape Verde.
Founded in 1462 by Portuguese traders, it is the oldest settlement in Cape Verde and its former capital. Once called Ribeira Grande by the Portuguese colonists, they changed its name to Cidade Velha in the late 18th century after relocating the capital to Praia. It is the seat of the Ribeira Grande de Santiago municipality.
Getting to Cidade Velha
From Praia, aluguers leave from the Sucupira Market west of Plateau. Cost is 200$ (Cape Verde escudos). Ask to be dropped at (the side road to) Forteleza Real de São Filipe. A taxi from Praia shouldn't be more than 1000. Aluguers returning to Praia leave every few minutes from the main square where the Pelourinho is.
Worth seeing
Even without a specific attraction in mind, there is plenty to see just walking around the historic city center, which constitutes a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- 01São Felipe Royal Fort
- 02Pelourinho
Erected in 1512 or 1520, this is perhaps the oldest monument in Cape Verde.
Things to do
Start at the fort above the town. Tickets cost 500and include a map and pamphlet guide for the town. From the fort, follow the path downhill past the ruined cathedral to arrive at the seashore. You can duck down to the beach before continuing on to the main square. The monument here is the Pelourinho ou picota and was a place of execution. Further along the Rua Banana leads up hill.
Getting around Cidade Velha the local way
- Get inThere are ferry boats that have irregular service to and from the islands of Maio, Boavista, Sal and Sao Nicolau, and more regular and scheduled service to and from Sao Vicente and Fogo.
- Get inAs of 2014, there were regular ferries from Fogo (4 hours) and Brava (just 40 min from Fogo).
- Go nextCidade Velha, the historic capital, is an easy half-day or day trip and something not to be missed if you're interested in history.
From Wikivoyage: Praia, CC BY-SA. Not yet checked by us. Last edited 2026-02.
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons (see Commons), Wikimedia Commons.