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Cidade Velha
Santiago Island, Cabo Verde
Cidade Velha, located on Santiago Island in Cabo Verde, is the oldest settlement in the country, founded by Portuguese traders in 1462. It was once known as Ribeira Grande and served as a strategic colonial outpost and important port for maritime trade between Africa, Brazil, and the Caribbean.
The town features historic sites like the 16th-century Pelourinho (pillory), the royal fortress Forte Real de São Filipe built to protect against pirate attacks, and Nossa Senhora do Rosário church, the oldest colonial church in the world. Cidade Velha played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade and was visited by famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus.
Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its well-preserved historic architecture and cultural significance, attracting visitors interested in history and heritage.
Location
Cabo Verde
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Cidade Velha is located in Santiago Island, Cabo Verde.
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Cabo Verde
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