Cape Verde Awarded World Heritage Status

02 July 2009

Cidade Velha, Cape Verde’s first capital city, has been awarded world heritage status by UNESCO, announced earlier this week at the organisation’s 33rd annual summit in Seville, Spain. The news is set to boost the archipelago’s tourism industry even further.

The historical site is situated to the south of the modern capital of Praia on the island of Santiago and is awarded this status due to its importance in the history of slavery and European colonies in Africa.  The town was formerly known as Ribeira Grande and dates back to the late 15th century but was renamed Cidade Velha in the late 18th century. Parts of the former capital’s original street layout are still apparent and there are some interesting remains including a royal fortress, two churches and Pillory Square with a 16th century marble pillar