CABE VERDE ~ Sé Cathedral Ruins - Cidade Velha - UNESCO

... Nice view of the well-displayed and restored cathedral remains located at the top of the village... being the ruins of the only Cathedral in Cape Verde, they indelibly mark the collective memory of Cape Verdeans, with all their symbolic meaning... the first catholic cathedral built on the West African coast... the ruins consist of an open air stage, huge columns, original tile and brick work and also original tombstones...  they show the turbulent times and various phases of history...  Cidade Velha, the Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande reflects early European colonial urban planning in the tropics, fortified architecture, and its role in Atlantic maritime trade and the slave economy.... Thanks Boris!¯\_(ツ)_/¯  

Its construction began around 1556, the date of the episcopate of D. Frei Francisco da Cruz, responsible for the construction of several other religious buildings, such as the Episcopal Palace, of which there are no traces left, although its old location. The works were suspended around 1592 and remained at a standstill for more or less 130 years. Thus, the construction of the Cathedral would only be completed around 1700. In 1712, it was sacked by French privateers, commanded by Jacques Cassard, who left it badly damaged and looted much of its contents. Not even the bells escaped.

Cidade Velha, the first capital of Cape Verde  was declared a World Heritage Site in 2009.  

Stamp:

The 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Cape Verde 

(Issued 05-07-2025)