Forte Real de São Filipe

Forte Real de São Filipe is a 16th century fortress in the city of Cidade Velha, Cabo Verde. The fortress provides a grand view over the first capital and the Atlantic Ocean around it. It was once built to protect the capital, then called Ribeira Grande, from pirates and competing realms.

The capital was eventually moved to Praia (the current capital), while the fortress remained. It eventually became the first and, at this time, the only UNESCO world heritage site of Cabo Verde.

The fortress is one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World. It completed the existing defense system of multiple older forts. The fortress included such as the residence of the Governor, the garrison, the prison and the chapel of São Gonçalo.