Pelourinho (Cidade Velha)

The Pelourinho (Portuguese for "pillory") is an important monument in the city of Cidade Velha in the south of Santiago, Cape Verde. The historic centre of Cidade Velha is an UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2009. It is a white marble column in Manueline style, standing at the main square of the town. It was a symbol of municipal power, and of slavery: rebellious slaves were punished publicly at the pelourinho.

Erected in 1512 or 1520, it is one of the oldest monuments of Cape Verde. It was restored at the end of the 1960s.