Cidade Velha Day Trip - Photo 1, Cidade Velha Day Trip
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Tour

Cidade Velha Day Trip

Discover the first Portuguese city in Africa. In Cidade Velha, you'll find a ruined cathedral, the old slave market and a pirate-proof fort.

  • 7 hours
  • 10Superb | 6 reviews

Explore the first Portuguese settlement in Africa. In Cidade Velha, discover a historic cathedral, remnants of the former slave market, and a fort built to withstand pirate attacks.

Cidade Velha Day Excursion

Your journey begins with a pickup from your Praia accommodation around 9 am, setting forth to Cidade Velha, the inaugural Portuguese city on the African continent. As you arrive, you will visit the impressive San Felipe Fort, perched 120 meters above sea level, designed to safeguard the city from notorious pirate raids, including a notable assault by Francis Drake himself!

Continuing through the heart of the city, you'll behold the remains of the cathedral, a portal to the 16th century that evokes a sense of history. Our next stop is the central square, once the site of the slave market, featuring the Pelourinho, a grim location for public executions.

A visit to Cidade Velha wouldn't be complete without a stroll down the iconic Banana Street, lined with captivating houses, as well as the historic Church of Our Lady of the Rosary from the 15th century.

Afterward, we'll head to a local eatery for a lunch of freshly grilled fish, complemented by dessert and coffee. Following lunch, the tour will return to Praia, where you'll be escorted back to your hotel, arriving around 3:30 pm.

Included

  • Hotel pick up and drop off.
  • Bus or minibus transport.
  • English speaking guide.
  • Entry to the San Felipe Fort.
  • Entry to the cathedral.
  • Entry to the church of Our Lady of the Rosary.
  • Lunch.

Tips

  • Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible.

Location

Activity location

Circular da Praia, Praia, Cabo Verde

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