Cidade Velha -- UNESCO World Heritage

Founded in 1462 by Portuguese merchants as Ribeira Grande, this is the oldest colonial settlement in Cape Verde and one of the earliest European towns established in sub-Saharan Africa. When the colonial capital was relocated to Praia in the late 18th century, the town was renamed Cidade Velha, meaning 'Old City'. The historic centre was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. Key surviving monuments include the 16th-century Forte Real de Sao Filipe, the marble Pillory column and the 1495 church of Nossa Senhora do Rosario.