Cities and regions／Cape Verde
City or town ·

Cidade Velha

On Santiago’s southern coast, Cidade Velha brings together urban, religious and defensive remains tied to Atlantic routes and colonial history. Its historic core is best read on foot, descending from the Fortaleza Real de São Filipe towards the old port.

Royal Fort of São Filipe above Cidade Velha and the Atlantic coast
Photo by Franzfoto Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
The place

What makes it special

  • Fortaleza Real de São Filipe and views across the settlement, valley and Atlantic.
  • The Pelourinho, cathedral ruins and Nossa Senhora do Rosário church.
  • A historic setting connected with colonial rule, the Atlantic slave trade and the emergence of a Cape Verdean Creole society.
Marble pillory in the historic square of Cidade Velha
Photo by Ji-Elle Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Stone street and historic houses on Rua Banana in Cidade Velha
Photo by Paul R. Burley Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Cidade Velha

Guides to this place

1 article

Cidade Velha

journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Royal Fort of São Filipe above Cidade Velha and the Atlantic coast

Cidade Velha from the Fortress to the Port and Its Atlantic Memory

A day in Cidade Velha offers a chance to follow a compact historic layout while engaging thoughtfully with the memory of the Atlantic trade in enslaved people.

Read guide →
Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 30/09/2026