Excursion History and the story teller tour at Praia

On this tour, you will learn about the culture and traditions of Cape Verde in general, and in particular, Santiago Island. Praia has absorbed various influences from the other islands due to inter-island migration, as well as influences from abroad. Visit the Plateau and city center.

Ethnographic Museum

An internal visit is made to the Ethnographic Museum, founded in November of 1997 and is located in a 19^th century building. The museum contains a selection of objects that represent the traditional uses and customs of the Cape Verdean people. Visit the vibrant vegetable market where the atmosphere is as colorful as its wares. From there, a short stroll takes you to Praça Alexandre Albuquerque square.

Praça Alexandre Albuquerque -- an iconic gathering spot for the people of Santiago.

It is the main square of the Capital city and is the historical centre of Praia. Formerly known as Praca do Pelourinho, it received its current name in 1876 in honour of the Portuguese Colonial Governor Caetano Alexandre de Almeida Albuquerque. It is lined with several historical buildings and townhouses, many of which date from the 19^th century. The centre of the square is a public park with monuments to Alexandre Albuquerque (a bronze bust from 1926) and Serpa Pinto (a bronze bust from 1927).

Palace of the President

View the Palace of the President a public building in the city centre. It was constructed around 1894 in neoclassical style as a residence of the Portuguese governor of Cape Verde. After Cape Verde gained independence in 1975, it became the Presidential Palace.

Diogo Gomes Viewpoint and Jaime Mota Barracks

Visit the viewpoint of Statue of Diogo Gomes. Gomes discovered the Cape Verde Islands in 1460. You'll see one of the oldest buildings in Praia -- the Jaime Mota Barracks -- dating from 1826. It was  originally used as a military barracks. The present structure in Neo-Manueline style dates from 1872, and was further expanded and modified in the late 19^th early 20^th century. After independence, it was named after Jamie Mota, a Cape Verdean militant of PAIGC who was killed in Portuguese Guinea (now Guinea-Bissau). In 2012 it was decided that the building would be restored and house both a military museum and the services of the Ministry of Defence.

Stroll past the Prime Minister's residence and various embassies en route to the view point from the Cruz de Papa Monument above Quebra Canela Beach. Avenida Cidade de Lisboa, a fun and busy street Praia, leads you past the Government Palace and the soccer stadium. Before heading back to the port browse the lively Sucupira Market which sells food, clothing, shoes, souvenirs. Enjoy a coffee/tea break at a little coffee shop near the market. Leaving the sounds of this lively city behind us, return to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Ethnographic Museum, Praça Alexandre Albuquerque Square, Palace of the President, Diogo Gomes Viewpoint, Jaime Mota Barracks, Sucupira Market

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking and standing and a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the mini coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Tourism infrastructure is limited in Cape Verde; the mini vans do not have air-conditioning nor do they have a PA system or bathrooms.