Cidade Velha is located in the heart of Santiago Island, the largest island in Cape Verde. This ancient city holds within its walls a rich history spanning centuries, having been the first European settlement in the tropics. Founded in the 15th century, the city quickly became an important commercial and cultural center in the region.
The city is known as the oldest European city in West Africa. It served as a test case for the Portuguese imperial model, which was eventually adopted in Brazil, Angola, and elsewhere. It played an important role in the formation of the Atlantic World, a transoceanic network of trade, colonization, and cultural exchange.
Cidade Velha was founded in 1462 by Portuguese explorer António da Noli. The city was designed from the start to be a center, a port that would connect Europe, Africa, and, eventually, the Americas. Its location along the Atlantic currents made it an ideal halting spot for ships in need of groceries, repairs, or just some relaxation before crossing the ocean.
Specifically, Cidade Velha was established as a trading center for enslaved persons, sugar, and textiles. The city played an important role in the transatlantic slave trade, serving as a transit point for enslaved Africans transported to the Americas.
In the 16th century, the city became an important religious center, with the construction of the Cidade Velha Cathedral, the oldest church in sub-Saharan Africa. The city flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries, becoming a major cultural center, home to many artists, writers, and musicians.
Cidade Velha sparked a cultural fusion in Cape Verde, combining European, African, and subsequently Brazilian ideas to create something altogether unique. Language, music, cuisine, and religion have developed into hybrid forms. The Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) language, which originated in areas such as Cidade Velha, is a magnificent representation of this combination. It’s more than just a dialect; it’s a linguistic mosaic that incorporates elements of Portuguese, West African languages, and the local soul.
In the 19th century, the Cidade Velha began to decline, losing its commercial and religious significance. One element in this was the relocation of Cape Verde’s capital to Praia, while Cidade Velha, battered by pirate assaults and economic upheavals, gradually declined in importance. However, throughout the centuries that followed, Cidade Velha remained a small but proud village.
In the 20th century, it became a significant historical site and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, becoming Cabo Verde’s first World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin.
According to UNESCO, Cidade Velha “provides an early image of transcontinental geopolitical visions. Its insular position, isolated but close to the coasts of Africa, made it an essential platform for the Atlantic trade of enslaved persons of modern times. A place of concentration of enslaved persons and the inhuman practices of the trade of enslaved persons, Ribeira Grande was also exceptional in terms of the intercultural encounters from which stemmed the first developed Creole society. The valley of Ribeira Grande experimented with new forms of colonial agriculture on the boundary between the temperate and tropical climates. It became a platform for the acclimatisation and dissemination of plant species across the world.”
The city was known as Ribeira Grande until the 18th century, and famous historical figures such as explorer Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus stopped there during their voyages. The city was attacked by British pirates, including Francis Drake, who plundered the city in the 16th century.
Cidade Velha exudes a unique human spirit. One can feel the city’s rich history in its cobblestone streets and ancient buildings. The city boasts several important historical monuments, including the Cidade Velha Cathedral, an unfinished church and one of the oldest in sub-Saharan Africa; Fort São Filipe, an ancient fort (one of the oldest European forts in Africa) built in the 16th century to protect the city from pirate attacks; Pelourinho, a stone pillar used to punish enslaved persons; and Bana Street, a cobblestone street that runs through the old city.
Cidade Velha was the first capital of Cape Verde before the capital moved to Praia. Surrounded by steep mountain ranges, it appears to be a natural enclosure protecting the city. A primitive sewage system was built in the 15th century using stone canals, some of which are still visible.
Cidade Velha has a population of approximately 3,500. Its economy depends on agriculture and tourism, and many tourists visit it every year to enjoy its rich history and natural beauty.
Cidade Velha faces many challenges, including poverty, unemployment, deteriorating infrastructure, and climate change. The local government and international organizations are making efforts to preserve and develop Cidade Velha, such as restoring historical monuments, improving infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism.
Cidade Velha has a promising future. The city could become a leading tourist destination in the region and play a significant role in the economic and cultural development of Cape Verde.
