Forte Real de São Filipe

Forte Real de São Filipe
Cidade Velha, Santiago Island in Cape Verde
View over the old fort of São Filipe from Cidade Velha
Site information
Controlled byPortuguese Empire (1593-1975)
Open to
the public
Yes
ConditionRenovated in 2000
Location
Forte Real de São Filipe
Coordinates14°54′58″N 23°36′07″W / 14.9160°N 23.6019°W / 14.9160; -23.6019
Height10
Site history
Built1593
Built byPortuguese Empire
In use1593-1770
EventsCassard expedition (1712)
Part ofCidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande
CriteriaCultural: (ii)(iii)(vi)
Reference1310
Inscription2009 (33rd Session)

Forte Real de São Filipe is a 16th century fortress in the city of Cidade Velha in the south of the island of Santiago, Cape Verde. It is located on a plateau above the town centre, 120 meters above sea level. The historic centre of Cidade Velha is an UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2009. The fort was part of a system of defence for the city, which also included six smaller forts on the coast and a wall along the port.