Pillory of Cidade Velha
Ribeira Grande
The Pillory of Cidade Velha, locally known as Pelourinho, is a prominent historic monument located in the main square of Cidade Velha, on Santiago Island in Cape Verde. Built in either 1512 or 1520, it is one of the oldest surviving monuments in the country and exemplifies the Manueline architectural style characterized by intricate stonework. The white marble column served as a symbol of municipal power and was historically used as a site for public punishment, notably for rebellious slaves, reflecting the town's complex colonial and slavery history. The monument stands within the historic center of Cidade Velha, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 due to its cultural significance as the first European colonial settlement in the tropics. The pillory was restored in the late 1960s to preserve its structural integrity and historical value. Today, it remains a powerful reminder of the town's past and an important attraction for visitors interested in Cape Verde's heritage and history.
Planen Sie Ihre Reise nach Kap Verde mit KI
Erstellen Sie in wenigen Minuten einen detaillierten Reiseplan. KI schlägt die besten Orte, Restaurants und eine optimierte Route vor.
Tipp: Visitors are advised to explore the Pillory during daylight hours to fully appreciate its architectural details and surrounding historic square. The best time to visit is during the dry season to avoid rain. Since the site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage area, consider guided tours that provide deeper historical context. Tickets for the historic center attractions may be available in combined packages, and some discounts might apply for students or seniors. Advance booking for guided tours is recommended during peak tourist seasons.
Interessante Fakten
- •The pillory is one of the oldest monuments in Cape Verde, dating back to the early 1500s.
- •It is built in the Manueline style, a Portuguese late Gothic architectural style.
- •The pillory was a symbol of municipal power and was used to publicly punish rebellious slaves.
- •Cidade Velha's historic center, including the pillory, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009.
- •The monument was restored in the late 1960s to preserve its historical significance.
Geschichte
The Pillory of Cidade Velha was erected in the early 16th century, with sources dating its construction to either 1512 or 1520.
It served as a symbol of municipal authority and was used for public punishment, including the disciplining of rebellious slaves, reflecting the colonial era's social order.
Over the centuries, it witnessed the town's development as a key Atlantic trading post.
The monument underwent restoration in the late 1960s to preserve its structure.
In 2009, the historic center of Cidade Velha, including the pillory, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its importance in Cape Verde's history.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
Pelourinho Monument1512 or 1520
A white marble column in Manueline style standing prominently in the main square of Cidade Velha. It symbolizes municipal authority and reflects the town's colonial history, especially relating to the public punishment of slaves.
