After doing a full day Santiago Island Tour plus a workshop, I had a second day effectively spent! I’m nonetheless in Santiago in Cape Verde, and this time, I explored the highlights of Cidade Velha, the nation’s former capital.
This memorable day was enjoyable and thrilling, all because of Bu Country Tours and Maria – my information and my photographer that day! Haha. Guys, she takes good footage! Alright, with out additional ado, right here’s how I spent my second day in Cidade Velha with Bu Country Tours.
About Cidade Velha
Cidade Velha is a metropolis in Santiago. It’s situated on the southern a part of the island. Since it’s the former capital of Cape Verde, there are a whole lot of locations that may be explored right here which I’ll share with you under.
Highlights of My Cidade Velha Tour
Cidade Velha – now declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO – with all its sights ought to undoubtedly be visited when visiting the island of Santiago. The originality was nonetheless preserved right here! Unique impressions await anybody visiting right here!
Cidade Velha
Once I arrived on this metropolis, I used to be welcomed by heartwarming folks! The metropolis itself is wealthy in tradition and historical past. It was based by Portuguese settlers and named it Ribeira Grande often known as Cideda Velha. This can be the rationale why town is named the birthplace of Cape Verdean nation and tradition. I used to be so glad that I used to be given the chance to get to know this wonderful metropolis with wonderful folks.
Fortaleza Real de Sao Filipe
One of the locations we visited in Cidade Velha, Fortaleza Real de Sao Filipe. A go to to the fort above Cidade Velha is a should. It has been largely restored in recent times, so folks can nonetheless see its magnificence as much as at the present time. I used to be blown away by the magnificent all-round view. Not solely that, but it surely additionally offers insights of the wealthy previous of the island.
Se Catedral
The third spot we went to was Se Catedral. The ruins are very spectacular due to their dimension alone. Today only some partitions have remained standing, however from right here, you can even see grave slabs and have an exquisite view of the fort and town.
Pelourinho
Another must-visit place in Cidade Velha. The “Pelourinho”, a pillory from 1512 that commemorates the historical past of the Ribeira Grande slave market. At first look, it appears like one other pillory, however as quickly as I used to be instructed the story of the slaves, I started to really feel its true weight and symbolism.
It is within the lovely sq. of the identical identify, the place the native distributors are concentrated and in entrance of the ocean. The sq. is gorgeous and completely appropriate for locals promoting fruit and varied memento gadgets.
Rua Banana
When we went to Rua Banana, it felt like we traveled again in time. Here, you possibly can see conventional homes and banana timber in between. Having to stroll via one of many oldest streets in Africa is one thing to sit up for! It’s a fast stroll, but it surely’s undoubtedly a spotlight within the lovely Cidade Velha.
Nossa Senhora do Rosario Church
After exploring 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 have been baptized earlier than being shipped to Brazil.
Convento de Sao Francisco
This was our final cease earlier than we headed again to the resort. The stays of Convento de Sao Francisco reward the quick climb with a incredible view over the Ribeira Grande and the ocean. Unfortunately, solely elements of the convent have survived, but it surely offers a formidable perception concerning the historical past of the city.
We ended the tour with me nonetheless blown away by the issues I realized that day. Even although a number of smiling faces welcomed me, the tragic previous of the city is one thing all of us ought to acknowledge.
By studying all these, we are able to be taught from it and make it possible for one thing like this received’t ever occur once more now, and within the close to future.