World Heritage Identification Number: 1310
World Heritage since: 2009
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇨🇻 Cabo Verde
Continent: Africa
UNESCO World Region: Africa
Map
Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande: A Glimpse into Cape Verde's Colonial Past
The historic centre of Ribeira Grande, now known as Cidade Velha, offers a captivating window into Cape Verde's rich colonial history. Situated on the southern coast of Santiago Island, this ancient settlement holds significant importance as the first European colonial outpost in the tropics.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The town of Ribeira Grande, renamed Cidade Velha in the late 18th century, was the first European colonial outpost in the tropics. Located in the south of the island of Santiago, the town features some of the original street layout impressive remains including two churches, a royal fortress and Pillory Square with its ornate 16th century marble pillar.
Encyclopedia Record: Cidade Velha
Cidade Velha is a city in the southern part of the island of Santiago, Cape Verde. Founded in 1462 by Portuguese traders, it is the oldest settlement in Cape Verde and its former capital. Once called Ribeira Grande by the Portuguese colonists, they changed its name to Cidade Velha in the late 18th century after relocating the capital to Praia. It is the seat of the Ribeira Grande de Santiago municipality.Additional Site Details
Area: 209.1 hectares
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
(vi) — Directly associated with events or living traditions
Coordinates: 14.9151388889 , -23.6051944444
Image
© Ji-Elle, CC BY-SA 3.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
