Historical Landmarks

As we have said the most historic pieces are located in the city of Ribeira Grande, the first settlement in the country and recognized as the world heritage site by UNESCO. There, every street and corner pulls our mind back to the colonial years. As we enter the city, we can not miss the huge brown stone walls on the right. It is the S. Felipe fort, built in 1590 to protect the city from pirates attacking. In the center of the city there is a granite pillory raised in 1520 called "pelourinho" in Portuguese. The "pelourinho" is perhaps the best known monument that symbolizes Cape Verde slavery centuries. It was built for public torture of slaves. Today that piece of portuguese stone is a iconic monument to the nation.

Besides the public buildings and monuments we can also see, small units, the slaves houses. These houses are traditionally called houses of "one door and two window"

Cape Verde Architectural Review

One of the many touristic attractions in Cape Verde is with no doubt its architectural landmarks found in cities and villages. From colonial buildings, traditional houses, monuments and even contemporary structures we find the unique touch that reflects the history and progress the country has achieved. Portuguese colonial architecture cam be seen on buildings all over the country. However, the oldest and most historic landmarks are located in the City of Ribeira Grande, the first built in the on the tropics by Portugal. There we can find churches, fortresses, convents, and residences built 500 years ago. Due to age, most of these buildings are ruins awaiting for restoration.

Most villages and cities follow the colonial urban configuration brought by the discovers. In the center of the city we find a square plaza, with a circular water fountain, surrounded by green areas, cobble stone sidewalks and a gazebo for the municipal band.Contiguous to the plaza, we see essential public buildings such as the city hall, the main cathedral, the tribunal and post office. All of them are built in stone found in the islands, and finished granite from Lisbon. The walls are artistically finished with stucco, and usually painted in two different colors. Fluorescent orange tera-cota roofs cover these buildings, giving them a distinctive elegance, of portuguese architecture.

Colonial buildings are truly emblematic to capeverdeans, bringing the past so close to the present. Most of these houses symbolizes power, and wealth

Cape Verde islands