Plizio Visual Lab
Pillory of Cidade Velha
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
The Pelourinho (Pillory) of Cidade Velha is one of Cape Verde's oldest and most significant monuments, likely dating back to 1512 or 1520. This white marble column, carved in the Manueline style, stands in the center of the historic square and originally symbolized municipal autonomy and Portuguese jurisdiction. Simultaneously, it served as a grim tool of the slave trade, where captives were publicly displayed for punishment or before being auctioned. The monument is adorned with late Gothic elements and the royal coat of arms of Portugal, highlighting its role as a center of administrative power. Over the centuries, the pillory was damaged and moved several times, but it was faithfully restored in the 1960s. Today, as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, it stands as a reminder of the dark chapters of colonial history and the emergence of Creole society.
- Location: Cape Verde
- Nearby: Porto Mosquito (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 22 | 20 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 56 | 82 | 45 | 37 | 30 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Pillory (Pelourinho) of Cidade Velha stands freely accessible on the central square and can be visited at any time without restrictions. The monument is an important historical symbol and can be viewed from all sides.
Typical hours
As it is a monument in public space, there are no opening hours - it is accessible 24/7. The best time to visit is morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
Photography
Photographing the Pillory is allowed at any time and without restrictions. You'll get particularly nice shots with the old cathedral in the background.
Time needed
For viewing the Pillory and the surrounding square, 15-20 minutes suffice. Combined with the cathedral ruins and city wall, allow about an hour.
Combine with
The Pillory is in the center of Cidade Velha, only a few meters from the ruins of Sé Cathedral. Combine your visit with the Fort of Real da São Filipe and the slave market.
Getting there
Cidade Velha is about 15 km west of Praia and reachable by taxi or regular minibus („Aluguer”). From Praia, minibuses run hourly to the historic site.
Insider tip
Visit early morning when the square is still nearly empty - you'll get great photos without crowds. Approach the monument slowly from all sides to see the carvings and details.
Geography
Facts
- Likely created in 1512 during the reign of King Manuel I.
- Carved from white marble in the ornate Manueline style.
- Symbolized judicial authority and municipal autonomy.
- Served as a central location for the public punishment of slaves.
- The monument stands approximately 5 meters tall.
- The column was temporarily dismantled during the 19th century.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pillory of Cidade Velha (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does the Pelourinho symbolize?
It is a monument to the era of slavery and served as a pillory for punishments.
Where exactly is the pillory located?
It stands in the central square of Cidade Velha, right by the sea.
When was it erected?
The original pillory dates back to 1512.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is allowed and it is a popular photo subject.
Are there information boards?
Yes, there are boards in several languages explaining the history of the site.
Pillory of Cidade Velha: where is it located?
Pillory of Cidade Velha is located in Cape Verde.
Pillory of Cidade Velha: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Pillory of Cidade Velha: why is it worth visiting?
The Pelourinho (Pillory) of Cidade Velha is one of Cape Verde's oldest and most significant monuments, likely dating back to 1512 or 1520.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Cape Verde →
Nearby cities
Cidade Velha
Cidade Velha is the former capital of Cape Verde and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Porto Mosquito
Porto Mosquito is a small fishing village west of the capital Praia.
João Teves
João Teves is a city in the interior of Santiago and the seat of the São Lourenço dos Órgãos municipality.
Picos
Picos, also known as Achada Igreja, is the seat of the São Salvador do Mundo municipality.
Assomada
Assomada is a city in the central highlands of Santiago island and the seat of the Santa Catarina municipality.
Pedra Badejo
Pedra Badejo is a coastal city on the east coast of Santiago island and the seat of the Santa Cruz municipality.
Porto Rincão
Porto Rincão is an isolated coastal village in the west of Santiago island.
Ribeira da Barca
Ribeira da Barca is a picturesque fishing village on the west coast of Santiago.
Calheta de São Miguel
Calheta de São Miguel is a city on the northeastern coast of Santiago and the seat of the São Miguel municipality.
Achada Monte
Achada Monte is a rural settlement in the northeastern part of Santiago island.
Chão Bom
Chão Bom is a growing town in the Tarrafal municipality, south of the main town.
Tarrafal
Tarrafal is a city in the north of Santiago island, famous for its white sand beach.
Barreiro
Barreiro is a suburb of Porto Inglês with a rural character.
Calheta
Calheta is a traditional fishing village on the west coast of Maio.
Figueira da Horta
Figueira da Horta is an agricultural center on Maio island.
History & landmarks
More places
Cidade Velha (Ribeira Grande de Santiago)
Cidade Velha is the historic core of old Ribeira Grande on Santiago and one of the most important colonial sites in Cape Verde.
Ruins of the Sé Cathedral
The ruins of the cathedral in Cidade Velha are among the best-known remains of old Ribeira Grande.
Royal Fortress of São Filipe
Fortaleza Real de Sao Filipe rises above Cidade Velha and was built to defend the settlement from pirates.
Gouveia Wind Farm
A significant wind farm on Santiago island, contributing to the increase in the share of renewable energy.
🗺️
Palmarejo Solar Power Plant
A large photovoltaic facility in Praia utilizing intense solar radiation for energy generation.
Terra Branca Playground
A popular modern children's playground in one of the liveliest neighborhoods of the capital Praia.
Palmarejo Desalination Plant
A vital facility in Praia that converts seawater into drinking water for the growing population.
🗺️
Monte Tchota
A forested mountain in the central highlands of Santiago, known for its cooler temperatures and rich birdlife.