A 15th-century church, a Manueline chapel, and a street considered the oldest built by the Portuguese in sub-Saharan Africa and the tropics offer different ways to explore the history of Cidade Velha. The name Ribeira Grande is also part of this historical context: it was the first European colonial city built in the tropics. Those seeking to understand Cidade Velha in its cultural and historical context will find both specific structures and a broader political and social framework.
Ribeira Grande and Colonial History
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Ribeira Grande was an important port of call for Portuguese colonization and its administration. The colonial history also encompasses immense violence: enslaved people were concentrated there and subjected to the inhumane practices of the slave trade. Intercultural encounters in Ribeira Grande also gave rise to the first developed Creole society. These aspects shed light on different dimensions—political function, enslavement, and social formation. By placing Cidade Velha in its historical context, you can consider not only the port’s role but also the human consequences of colonization and the Creole society that emerged from intercultural encounters.
Rua da Banana: History in the Urban Landscape
Rua da Banana is considered the oldest street built by the Portuguese in sub-Saharan Africa and the tropics. This distinction draws attention to the urban landscape itself and complements Ribeira Grande’s political history with a specific street of significance beyond the region. This makes a difference when considering the city: an urban street offers a different perspective from the port as part of colonial administration. Rua da Banana is therefore not simply another name alongside the historical events, but offers a spatial perspective on the history of Cidade Velha.
Comparing the Church and the Fortress
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário is a 15th-century church in Cidade Velha. Its Manueline chapel is the founding component of the building. Thus, when considering its architecture, the church’s age is not the only relevant factor: the chapel’s role within the building is also part of the story of its origins. The Fortaleza Real de São Felipe offers a different point of reference. It was built in the 16th century on Achada Forte, at the entrance to the city. The two structures can therefore be compared in terms of both date and location: the church is defined by its 15th-century date, while the fortress is defined by its construction in the 16th century and its location at the city entrance. This makes the historical context more specific without combining the two structures into a single narrative.
For your travel planning, this suggests a cultural focus: the dates of the church and fortress help you compare them chronologically, while references to the street and port broaden your perspective to include the urban landscape and historical function. This lets you give topics the emphasis that suits your interests, rather than merging them into a single linear narrative.
Discover more destinations: Lazareto, Fajã de Água and Morro.
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