Pelourinho
Pelourinho
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
97 reviews
Excellent
28
Very good
48
Average
19
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Master Echo
London, UK544 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
PRAIA, CAPE VERDE 20 MARCH 2014
In common with nearly all the West African countries visited so far, who charged for visas, Praia is no exception. We felt that it was exorbitant to charge a visa fee of 32 Euros, should one wish to go ashore. Based on reports we had found on the internet that were uncomplimentary about Praia, we were unsure whether to bother but we were glad that we did.
The shuttle bus dropped us off only yards from the main square, which was very pretty, clean and so reminiscent of rural Portugal.
We wanted to go to the island’s Cidade Velha which is the old city and about a 20 minute drive away and a tour which was offered by the ship, but we felt that we would be able to do it more cheaply, without all the extra entrances into museums etc. It was only a few minutes walk to pick up a taxi by the church, and we negotiated a lower price to that for which we were asked, but it was slightly easier for us with our basic Portuguese. We agreed 30 Euros, which we thought was quite expensive, but felt that there were not many taxis available and if we went to find someone else the price could well be the same.
The journey across the island, which was quite undulating and barren with few trees, also ran close to the ocean and we could see little coves. The road was wide with a good surface, with not much traffic. Eventually the road dropped down through very narrow streets and we knew we had finally arrived at Cidade Velha. Parking in a small car park, we got out and walked to the little beach with very black sand and some bathers. Fronting this little cove which was quite rocky, with only a small expanse of sand, was a couple of little cafe/restaurants, and the smell of cooking was quite tantalising. Although the dilapidated typically Portuguese barbecue stood on the beach waiting for the sardines to be brought out of the sea and cooked, there was no sign of it happening anytime soon, otherwise we might have been tempted to stay. One of the restaurants appeared to have been built on the old wall ramparts and there were many diners, and people sitting having drinks, most appeared to be tourists, possibly off the AidaVita which was also docked in Praia.
In the middle of the town was a little square with the pelourinho - originally a whipping post, and a few street vendors selling a variety of different items together with a few paintings and postcards. This was very picturesque and we could have wandered back up towards the town and the fort which towered over this little village, but as the 30 Euros we had paid for the taxi was only for an hour's duration, we got back into the taxi and returned to the modern town of Praia from where we had left. Despite the cost of the visas, we were pleased we had ventured to this island stuck out in the middle of the Atlantic.
In common with nearly all the West African countries visited so far, who charged for visas, Praia is no exception. We felt that it was exorbitant to charge a visa fee of 32 Euros, should one wish to go ashore. Based on reports we had found on the internet that were uncomplimentary about Praia, we were unsure whether to bother but we were glad that we did.
The shuttle bus dropped us off only yards from the main square, which was very pretty, clean and so reminiscent of rural Portugal.
We wanted to go to the island’s Cidade Velha which is the old city and about a 20 minute drive away and a tour which was offered by the ship, but we felt that we would be able to do it more cheaply, without all the extra entrances into museums etc. It was only a few minutes walk to pick up a taxi by the church, and we negotiated a lower price to that for which we were asked, but it was slightly easier for us with our basic Portuguese. We agreed 30 Euros, which we thought was quite expensive, but felt that there were not many taxis available and if we went to find someone else the price could well be the same.
The journey across the island, which was quite undulating and barren with few trees, also ran close to the ocean and we could see little coves. The road was wide with a good surface, with not much traffic. Eventually the road dropped down through very narrow streets and we knew we had finally arrived at Cidade Velha. Parking in a small car park, we got out and walked to the little beach with very black sand and some bathers. Fronting this little cove which was quite rocky, with only a small expanse of sand, was a couple of little cafe/restaurants, and the smell of cooking was quite tantalising. Although the dilapidated typically Portuguese barbecue stood on the beach waiting for the sardines to be brought out of the sea and cooked, there was no sign of it happening anytime soon, otherwise we might have been tempted to stay. One of the restaurants appeared to have been built on the old wall ramparts and there were many diners, and people sitting having drinks, most appeared to be tourists, possibly off the AidaVita which was also docked in Praia.
In the middle of the town was a little square with the pelourinho - originally a whipping post, and a few street vendors selling a variety of different items together with a few paintings and postcards. This was very picturesque and we could have wandered back up towards the town and the fort which towered over this little village, but as the 30 Euros we had paid for the taxi was only for an hour's duration, we got back into the taxi and returned to the modern town of Praia from where we had left. Despite the cost of the visas, we were pleased we had ventured to this island stuck out in the middle of the Atlantic.
Written August 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelinAlan
Los Angeles, CA1,821 contributions
Jun 2018 • Solo
Make sure you have a guide to explain the extraordinary, and very sad, history. This is the place were slaves were abused.
Written June 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phutty
Tallinn, Estonia1,362 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
The pretty central square of Cidade Velha is a harsh reminder of the slave trade that passed through the islands for so long and the fact that for these people the ocean, just metres away, was a route to hardship and suffering. The history of the pillory itself is morbidly fascinating as a result.
The surrounding square is lovely, and the views at the waterfront charming, belying the sad history of the place.
The surrounding square is lovely, and the views at the waterfront charming, belying the sad history of the place.
Written May 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toon S
Eindhoven, The Netherlands205 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
Although it is in the middle of town, you can easily pass it by if you do not know the history or meaning of it.
Written January 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saronic
Zurich, Switzerland28,747 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
Down in the attractive main square of Cidade Velha stands a marble pillar, which is called the 'Pelourinho' (Pillory). Here apparently were once sold the African slaves, the main revenue of the early Portuguese settlers.
Cidade Velha had been several times destroyed by pirates. In the last time, early 18th century, by a French corsair, who left almost nothing standing. So this delicate pillory definitely dates from later times, most probably from Salazar's 'Estado Novo', when many monuments of Portugal's colonial past were reconstructed.
Since it is in the middle of the square down by the sea, one can well imagine this place as a former slave market. But it is doubtful that slaves were attached to this delicate marble pillar to get whipped, as the stories go. Most probably this pillar didn't even exist at this time. Now this monument is surrounded by Senegalese merchants, who are trying to sell teir 'African Art' of the so-called 'Airport Souvenir Style'.
Cidade Velha had been several times destroyed by pirates. In the last time, early 18th century, by a French corsair, who left almost nothing standing. So this delicate pillory definitely dates from later times, most probably from Salazar's 'Estado Novo', when many monuments of Portugal's colonial past were reconstructed.
Since it is in the middle of the square down by the sea, one can well imagine this place as a former slave market. But it is doubtful that slaves were attached to this delicate marble pillar to get whipped, as the stories go. Most probably this pillar didn't even exist at this time. Now this monument is surrounded by Senegalese merchants, who are trying to sell teir 'African Art' of the so-called 'Airport Souvenir Style'.
Written January 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brooklynite_Abroad
New York City, NY2,899 contributions
Jul 2016
This is a restored whipping post used to punish slaves. It is set on a picturesque square in the old city, close to the bay. Locals set up souvenir shopping on the plaza surrounding this historic monument. There are cute ocean front hotels here for a coffee with a scenic view or lunch. It is a bit odd that this monument, a whipping post for slaves deemed for punishment, no doubt being the location of incredible suffering of untold numbers of people is now a cute tourist trap. There is little respect or commemoration for the horrors that occurred here for centuries.
Written July 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PatrickM_Travels
Almaty, Kazakhstan1,788 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
The monument itself is important in that it is about 500 years old and has a great deal of significance to the slave trade that once ruled this small country. Also, I very much liked the small town square, which was bustling with locals and some tourists. Here you'll find a nice sea-side cafe/restaurant, a very recently refurbished guest house, and a public stage (they were setting up for some sort of concert when we got there). This is definitely a 4-star attraction and surroundings. I'm dropping it one star, however, because of the very persistent and nagging trinket salesmen who will harass you as you try to enjoy the sights. They will push "gifts" into your hands then expect you to buy something. One would not leave me alone even after insisting I was not interested. My advice to the town is to get rid of these guys because they really detract from the history and culture and actually made me want to leave quickly rather than stick around and have a beer or lunch.
Written August 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PCS2401
Birmingham, UK270 contributions
Jan 2015 • Solo
This is an important reminder of sad times in Cape Verde's past. There are information boards nearby that tell you about the monument's history. Have a walk around, the surrounding area is lovely - especially the Rua Banana. My excellent local guide (Minesiu) took me on a lovely walk from here up to the convent. There are also a couple of seaside cafes beside the square. Well worth a visit.
Written January 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob C
Kenwood, CA63 contributions
Mar 2014 • Solo
This is a very interesting area to visit and is about 10KM outside of Praia. The area (Cidade Velha or "old city" in Portugese) was the original settlement in Cape Verde as well as the first capital until this was moved to Praia a couple of centuries later. First settled in the late 1490s, you can still see many of the lodgings that give you a sense of what it was like along the main street called "Banana Road". There is a main square along side the water with several cafes/bars where you an enjoy a drink, listen to music that is invariably playing, and get views of the water and the beach. Was great to see a group of boys playing soccer in the sand with the obstacles of waves and fishing boats on the shore to contend with.
Written April 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexander Woywodt
Lancaster, UK345 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
We visited this during a visit to ciudade velha. A chilling reminder of how slaves were treated. Well preserved as well. Mind the taxi drivers around who can be a hassle.
Written March 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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