Religious sites in Cape Verde

Sacred Sites and Churches

Cabo Verde’s religious landscape is defined by its colonial history and Roman Catholic heritage. This collection features significant sites across the islands, ranging from the ruins of the 16th-century Sé Catedral in Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the neoclassical Santa Isabel church in Boa Vista. Visitors can explore quiet village chapels in Povoação Velha and prominent parish churches in Maio and Fogo, reflecting the deep-rooted faith and architectural evolution of the archipelago.

Sacred Sites and Churches — Map

A

Capela Santo António

Small chapel located in Povoação Velha, the oldest settlement on the island of Boa Vista.

Hugo Nascimento / CC-BY-SA

B

Santa Isabel

The primary parish church of Sal Rei, notable for its neoclassical architecture and distinctive yellow and blue facade.

C

São João Baptista

Local parish church situated in the village of Fundo das Figueiras on the eastern side of Boa Vista.

D

Nossa Senhora de Fátima

A restored chapel perched on a rocky hill north of Sal Rei, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic coast.

E

Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Historic chapel in Povoação Velha, representing some of the earliest religious architecture on Boa Vista island.

F

Igreja Nova Apostólica

Local place of worship for the New Apostolic congregation in the town of Sal Rei.

G

Igreja Santa Catarina

Significant Catholic church located in Assomada, serving as a central landmark for the Santa Catarina region of Santiago.

H

Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário

Catholic church located in the rural village of Barreiro on the island of Maio.

I

Nossa Senhora do Rosário

Built in 1495 in Cidade Velha, this is one of the oldest colonial churches in the world and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

J

Capela de São Sebastião

A small 16th-century chapel located within the historic center of Cidade Velha on Santiago island.

K

São Martinho

Local Catholic church serving the community of São Martinho near the capital city of Praia.

L

Sé Catedral

Massive ruins of a 16th-century cathedral in Cidade Velha, which once served as the seat of the first African diocese.

M

São Miguel

Parish church located in Calheta de São Miguel on the eastern coast of Santiago island.

N

Igreja

The main parish church of Porto Inglês, also known as Vila do Maio, featuring traditional Portuguese colonial design.

O

Igreja

Central Catholic church in Vila do Maio, historically known as the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Luz.

P

Capela do Barreiro

Small community chapel located in the village of Barreiro on the island of Maio.

Q

Chapel

Local chapel situated near the southeastern coast of Fogo island, serving the Cova Figueira area.

R

São Pedro

Catholic place of worship located in the village of Pedro Vaz on the island of Maio.

S

Igreja

Parish church serving the rural community of Pedro Vaz in northern Maio.

T

Igreja Adventista do Setimo Dia

Place of worship for the Seventh-day Adventist community in the historic town of São Filipe, Fogo.

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