10 Things to Do in Fortaleza Real de Sao Felipe (Fort of São Filipe), Porto Novo, Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde, an island nation off the coast of Africa, is a beautiful and diverse destination with plenty of attractions for visitors. One of the most popular attractions in Cabo Verde is the Fortaleza Real de Sao Felipe, or Fort of São Filipe, located in the city of Porto Novo. Built in the 17th century, this impressive fortress is a great place to explore and experience the history and culture of the island nation. Here are 10 things to do when visiting the Fort of São Filipe in Porto Novo, Cabo Verde.
1. Explore the Grounds: The grounds of the Fort of São Filipe are a great place to explore. The fortress is surrounded by a large open courtyard, which is filled with lush vegetation and is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. There are also several cannons and other military artifacts located around the grounds, which provide a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the fort.
2. Visit the Museum: The Fort of São Filipe has a museum that is dedicated to the history of the fort and its role in the history of Cabo Verde. The museum is filled with interesting artifacts and displays that provide a great insight into the fort's past.
3. Climb the Tower: The fort has a large tower that offers some of the best views of the city of Porto Novo and the surrounding area. Climbing the tower is a great way to get a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings.
4. Take a Boat Tour: The fort is located on the waterfront, and there are several boat tours available that will take you around the area and provide an up-close view of the fortress.
5. Attend a Concert: The Fort of São Filipe is a popular venue for concerts and other cultural events. Attending a concert or cultural event here is a great way to experience the unique culture of Cabo Verde.
6. Take a Guided Tour: The fort offers guided tours of the grounds and the museum, which provide a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the fort and its role in the history of Cabo Verde.
7. Visit the Chapel: The fort has a chapel that was built in the 18th century and is still in use today. Visiting the chapel is a great way to experience the spiritual side of Cabo Verde.
8. Go Shopping: The fort has several shops and restaurants located within its walls, providing a great opportunity to purchase souvenirs and sample some of the local cuisine.
9. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: The fort is surrounded by several horse-drawn carriages, which provide a unique and romantic way to explore the area.
10. Enjoy the Sunset: The fort is located right on the waterfront, providing an excellent spot to watch the sunset over the city of Porto Novo. Enjoying the sunset from the fort is a great way to end the day.
Visiting the Fort of São Filipe in Porto Novo, Cabo Verde is a great way to experience the unique culture and history of the island nation. From exploring the grounds to taking a horse-drawn carriage ride, there are plenty of things to do when visiting the fort. So, make sure to add the Fort of São Filipe to your list of places to visit when in Cabo Verde.