Mindelo is known as the cultural city of Cape Verde, Africa. Its blend of colorful, colonial architecture with African vibes make this a unique destination. Overall, the archipelago of Cape Verde is becoming a haven for tourism with its beautiful beaches, volcanoes and culture. I enjoyed my Mindelo walking tour and love sharing insights. So, read on to discover these top 10 Mindelo Cape Verde attractions and why you should visit.
About Mindelo, Cape Verde
Meaning ‘Green Cape,’ Cape Verde is an archipelago and island country of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Its 10 horseshoe-shaped, volcanic islands lie about 600 – 850 km from the west coast of mainland Africa. The Macaronesia ecoregion includes Cape Verde Islands, Azores, Canary Islands, Madeira and Savage Isles. The Portuguese inhabited Cape Verde in the 15th century and later got involved in the Atlantic Slave Trade. In 1975 Cape Verde became independent. Cape Verde’s official language is Portuguese, however, most citizens speak Cape Verdean Creole. The capital city is Praia on the largest island, Santiago.
Mindelo is a major port city on the island, Sao Vincente, lying on Porto Grando Bay. The city became known for its incredible Carnival celebrations and colonial architecture from its Portuguese roots. The local musician, Cesoria Evora is the Cape Verde symbol. Evora’s fame spread worldwide because of her Morna music style, that became the national music for Cape Verde. Also, the Cesoria Evora Airport in Sao Vincente honors her name.
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Top 10 Mindelo Cape Verde Attractions
Mindelo is mostly compact and easy to get around, so it’s wonderful for a walking tour. I visited all of these top attractions afoot in a day. So, before you head out to explore the archipelago, don’t miss the colorful Mindelo sites and sounds.
Discover Cesoria Evora and Morna Music
Born in Mindelo, Cesoria Evora became known as the ‘Queen of Morna.’ The Morna music genre came from Cape Verde and is usually sung in a monotone Cape Verdean Creole. Also, known as the ‘Barefoot Diva,’ she usually performed barefoot and achieved worldwide fame late in life. Cesoria Evora’s music has been compared to the legends, Billie Holiday and Edith Piaf.
Cesaria Evora Museum is in the city center and a great place to learn about this artist. It exhibits photographs, dresses and displays on her life and music. Also, you can’t miss the incredible Cesaria Evora mural on the back of the Mindelo Library. It was created by the world-renowned Portuguese street artist, Alexandre Farto, who goes by the name Vhils. Like his other murals around the world, he scrapes off the paint from the wall in a low relief displaying the art. My photo above explains this artwork better than words. Also, the People’s Palace has photographs of Evora, dresses and awards.
Town Hall/Square
Just up the street from the Cesaria Evora mural is the Town Hall. This colonial building sits next to a pleasant square with gardens, flowers and benches. Also, on the square is Our Lady of the Light Cathedral, a Catholic church built in 1862.
Governor’s Palace or Palacio do Povo
Built in 1874, it was originally designed to be the Governor’s Palace. You can’t miss this pastel pink and white colonial building on the end of Rua Lisboa. Since independence, it’s been called the People’s Palace and includes a Carnival museum. The palace also serves as a courthouse for the Cape Verdean Supreme Court.
Mindelo has 3 markets in the city center: Municipal Food Market, Open Market on Praca Estrela and Fish Market
Municipal Food Market
Built in 1878 this 2-storied, colonial style building houses the local food market. Located on Rua Lisboa, it’s organized and clean with numerous stalls of fresh produce, handicrafts and local arts. I enjoyed shopping here and stopped at the Café Verde Café inside the market. Here, I enjoyed the delicious national dish, Cachupa, a stew made with hominy, beans, vegetables and meat.
Open Market on Praca Estrela
This open-air market on Praca Estrela is 2 square blocks of stalls with vendors selling African clothing, handicrafts and souvenirs. I bought an African dress here. On the walls there are blue and white ceramic tile murals depicting the history of Mindelo.
Mercado de Peixe or Fish Market
On the Porto Grande next to the Tower of Belem and Diogo Afonso statue is the local fish market. Walking through here with the smell of fish and wet floors, a quick walk through is plenty. You can expect to see a wide variety of fish, such as, swordfish, moray eels, squid and giant tuna. Morning is the best time to visit with the most fish, and they clean the fish outside next to the Diogo Afonso statue.
Torre de Belem
Next to the Fish Market is the Torre de Belem, a smaller scaled down replica of the Belem Tower in Lisbon. I’ve seen the original tower in Lisbon, designed in a Portuguese Manueline style. The tower was the governor’s residence. Currently, it’s a museum sharing the history of Porto Grande. Also, if you climb to the top, there’s a nice view of the harbor and city.
Diogo Afonso Statue
Mindelo Cape Verde Attractions
Next to the Belem Tower is the Diogo Afonso statue facing Porto Grande. He is commemorated as the Portuguese explorer that discovered Sao Vicente. Also, a street further east is named after him.
Quintal de Artes
Across the street from the Fish Market is the Quintal de Artes. You can wander on in this courtyard, that was a former prison from the 19th century. The cells are now ateliers or art studios, with vendors selling their art. It’s a wonderful place to observe the colorful, artistic exhibits with remnants from Carnival.
Praia da Laginha Beach
Praia da Laginha is the city beach, located next to the seaport where ferries and cruise ships leave. It’s beautiful with a white sandy beach and vibrant blue waters. There are numerous restaurants, bars and shops along the beach and boulevard.
Enjoy Mindelo, Cape Verde!
Mindelo is such a cultural feast with its blend of Portuguese and African tones. This unique destination offers not only culture but beautiful nature with its beach and waterfront. If you have any suggestions on how best to enjoy Mindelo, please leave comments below.
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