The Dark Past of Pirates and Slaves in the Old City
Located on the island of Santiago in Cape Verde, Cidade Velha is a place where natural beauty contrasts with a dark past. Founded in 1462, this place was a crucial meeting point for the slave trade in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was also a veritable paradise for daring pirates who attacked ships and plundered treasures. In this article, we will unravel this story marked by struggle, suffering and resistance.
Unraveling the Dark History of Pirates and Slaves in the Old City
Cidade Velha, or Ribeira Grande as it was known at the time, was the first European colonial city in the tropics and quickly became a center for the slave trade. Millions of Africans were uprooted from their homelands and transported in inhumane conditions to be sold as cheap labor in the Americas. The wealth generated by this nefarious trade turned the Old City into a target for pirates, who attacked ships on their way to America.
The most famous of these pirates was Francis Drake, an Englishman who, at the end of the 16th century, led a series of devastating attacks on the city. In the attacks, many inhabitants were killed or captured and the city was partially destroyed. Despite attempts to fortify the city and protect its inhabitants and wealth, pirate attacks continued until the 18th century, when the city fell into decline.
The Hidden Heritage: Traces of the Past Mark the Old Town
Despite its dark past, the Old Town is now a place of beauty and tranquillity. However, traces of the past are still visible. The ruins of the fort of São Filipe, built to protect the city from pirates, still dominate the landscape, while the 16th and 17th century colonial buildings, such as the church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, testify to the wealth the city once had.
In the city’s main square is the pillory, a monument that was used to punish slaves. Even silent and inactive, it serves as a poignant reminder of the suffering endured by African slaves. However, the Old Town is also a symbol of resistance. African music, dance and cultural traditions have survived despite repression, showing the strength and resilience of the Cape Verdean people.
The Old Town is a place where history intertwines with the present. It is a living reminder of a dark past, but it is also a testament to the human capacity to resist and adapt. Despite its tragic history, the city is today a place of hope, where the past is not forgotten, but used as a reminder of the struggle for freedom and justice. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town continues to tell its story, ensuring that future generations don’t forget the lessons of the past.
