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 Nation Excursions and Maria – my information and my photographer that day! Haha. Guys, she takes good photos! Alright, with out additional ado, right here’s how I spent my second day in Cidade Velha with Bu Nation Excursions.
About Cidade Velha
Cidade Velha is a metropolis in Santiago. It’s positioned on the southern a part of the island. Since it’s the former capital of Cape Verde, there are a variety of locations that may be explored right here which I’ll share with you beneath.
Highlights of My Cidade Velha Tour
Cidade Velha – now declared a World Heritage Web site by UNESCO – with all its sights ought to positively be visited when visiting the island of Santiago. The originality was nonetheless preserved right here! Distinctive impressions await anybody visiting right here!
Cidade Velha
As soon as I arrived on this metropolis, I used to be welcomed by heartwarming individuals! Town itself is wealthy in tradition and historical past. It was based by Portuguese settlers and named it Ribeira Grande also called Cideda Velha. That is additionally the explanation why town known as 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 individuals.
Fortaleza Actual de Sao Filipe
One of many locations we visited in Cidade Velha, Fortaleza Actual de Sao Filipe. A go to to the fort above Cidade Velha is a should. It has been largely restored lately, so individuals 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 gives 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. Right this moment only some partitions have remained standing, however from right here, you too can see grave slabs and have a phenomenal view of the citadel and town.
Pelourinho
One other 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 seems to be like one other pillory, however as quickly as I used to be informed the story of the slaves, I started to really feel its true weight and symbolism.
It’s within the stunning sq. of the identical title, 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
After we went to Rua Banana, it felt like we traveled again in time. Right here, you possibly can see conventional homes and banana bushes 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 positively a spotlight within the stunning 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. That 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 brief climb with a incredible view over the Ribeira Grande and the ocean. Sadly, solely components 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. Regardless that 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 ensure that one thing like this received’t ever occur once more now, and within the close to future.
