After doing a full day Santiago Island Tour plus a workshop, I had a second day well spent! I’m still in Santiago in Cape Verde, and this time, I explored the highlights of Cidade Velha, the country’s former capital.
This memorable day was fun and exciting, all thanks to Bu Country Tours and Maria – my guide and my photographer that day! Haha. Guys, she takes good pictures! Alright, without further ado, here’s how I spent my second day in Cidade Velha with Bu Country Tours.
About Cidade Velha
Cidade Velha is a city in Santiago. It’s located on the southern part of the island. Since it is the former capital of Cape Verde, there are a lot of places that can be explored here which I will share with you below.
Highlights of My Cidade Velha Tour
Cidade Velha – now declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO – with all its sights should definitely be visited when visiting the island of Santiago. The originality was still preserved here! Unique impressions await anyone visiting here!
Cidade Velha
Once I arrived in this city, I was welcomed by heartwarming people! The city itself is rich in culture and history. It was founded by Portuguese settlers and named it Ribeira Grande also known as Cideda Velha. This is also the reason why the city is called the birthplace of Cape Verdean nation and culture. I was so glad that I was given the opportunity to get to know this amazing city with amazing people.
Fortaleza Real de Sao Filipe
One of the places we visited in Cidade Velha, Fortaleza Real de Sao Filipe. A visit to the fort above Cidade Velha is a must. It has been largely restored in recent years, so people can still see its beauty up to this day. I was blown away by the magnificent all-round view. Not only that, but it also provides insights of the rich past of the island.
Se Catedral
The third spot we went to was Se Catedral. The ruins are very impressive because of their size alone. Today only a few walls have remained standing, but from here, you can also see grave slabs and have a beautiful view of the castle and the city.
Pelourinho
Another must-visit place in Cidade Velha. The “Pelourinho”, a pillory from 1512 that commemorates the history of the Ribeira…
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