Boa Vista history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Boa Vista dates back to the Age of Discovery. The island was discovered by Portuguese navigators in 1460. Initially, it was named São Cristóvão, but later the name Boa Vista, meaning "Beautiful View," was adopted — this is exactly what the sailors exclaimed upon seeing land after a long voyage. The first settlement was Povoação Velha, founded at the end of the 16th century, from where the gradual population of the territory began.

Key Factors of Development

The development of the region and the formation of its main centre, the city of Sal Rei, were driven by several important circumstances:

• Natural Resources: The main driver of the economy was the extraction of high-quality salt ("sal" in Portuguese), which gave the island's future capital its name.
• Geographic Location: Convenient natural harbours allowed merchant ships to moor safely to replenish supplies, which facilitated the development of maritime trade.
• Climate: The arid climate limited agriculture but was ideal for evaporating salt in natural lagoons.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period, Boa Vista's economy relied on the export of salt, which was actively purchased by foreign vessels, and goat breeding. An important part of the local culture was the production of ceramics and weaving. It was here, amidst the blending of European and African traditions, that unique musical styles began to form, becoming the hallmark of the Cape Verde islands.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1460 — The island was discovered by Portuguese navigators António de Noli and Diogo Gomes, receiving the initial name São Cristóvão.
• Late 16th Century — The first permanent settlement, Povoação Velha, was founded, becoming the early administrative and religious centre.
• 1620 — Active salt mining by English sailors began, turning the island into an important point for transatlantic trade.
• 1818 — Following destructive pirate raids, the construction of Fort Duque de Bragança began on an islet in Sal Rei bay to protect the port.
• 1843 — A joint Portuguese-British commission was established on the island with the aim of suppressing the slave trade in the region.
• Mid-19th Century — The city of Sal Rei officially became the island's capital, replacing Povoação Velha due to its importance as a port.
• Early 20th Century — Jewish migrants from Morocco made a significant contribution to the development of local trade and infrastructure.
• 1975 — Boa Vista became part of the independent state of the Republic of Cape Verde.
• 2007 — Modernisation and the opening of the Aristides Pereira International Airport, which kickstarted mass tourism.
• 2010s — Active construction of large resort complexes transformed the island into one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of Boa Vista's emergence as an important centre of the archipelago is inextricably linked with the sea, trade, and adaptation to harsh natural conditions. Below are the key milestones that defined the modern appearance and economy of the region:

• Flourishing of the "Salt" Economy (17th–19th Centuries)
  Significance: The extraction of high-quality salt in natural lagoons became the first driver of development. This transformed the island from a sparsely populated territory into a significant hub of transatlantic trade, attracting merchant vessels and laying the financial foundation for the future growth of the city of Sal Rei.
• Relocation of the Capital to the Coast (Mid-19th Century)
  Significance: The shift of the administrative centre from the inland Povoação Velha to the coastal Sal Rei marked a change in priorities from defence to foreign trade. This stimulated urban planning: a port, customs house, and the first substantial residential quarters appeared.
• Construction of Defensive Structures (Early 19th Century)
  Significance: The erection of Fort Duque de Bragança on an islet in the bay ensured the safety of the harbour against pirate raids. A protected port became a guarantee of stability for foreign traders, which contributed to the city's economic prosperity.
• Cultural Influence of Jewish Migration (19th Century)
  Significance: Settlers from North Africa introduced new commercial practices and architectural traditions. Thanks to them, a recognisable style of colonial buildings was formed in the city, and international ties were strengthened.
• Period of Isolation and Diaspora Formation (Mid-20th Century)
  Significance: The decline of the salt industry and climatic changes led to mass emigration. This difficult stage hardened the character of the local residents and created a powerful overseas diaspora, which subsequently became a major investor in the homeland's economy.
• Opening of the International Airport (2007)
  Significance: The launch of the Aristides Pereira Airport was a turning point that brought Boa Vista out of isolation. The ability to receive direct flights from Europe reoriented the economy towards international tourism.
• Modern Urbanisation and Resort Boom (21st Century)
  Significance: Active construction of hotel infrastructure and roads led to a significant influx of population from other islands and a change in the urban landscape, turning quiet Sal Rei into a dynamically developing tourism hub.

Architectural Evolution and Urban Planning

The architectural appearance of Boa Vista reflects the transition from the necessity of defence to open trade and modern tourism. The urban development of the island can be roughly divided into two stages: the early stage, focused on safety (inland settlements), and the commercial stage, focused on the ocean (development of the coastal zone).

The historical centre of the island's capital, the city of Sal Rei, retains the charm of a Portuguese colonial town with low-rise buildings and a regular layout of streets converging towards the port and the main square.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The buildings of Boa Vista are not characterised by the monumentality of European capitals; however, they possess a unique island flair in which European and African traditions have blended.

• Colonial Style (19th – Mid-20th Century)
  This style dominates the historical centre of Sal Rei. It is characterised by "sobrado" type buildings — two-storey mansions where the ground floor was used for warehouses or shops, and the first floor was residential.
  Features: Pastel tones of facades (blue, yellow, pink), wooden shutters, tiled roofs, and balconies.
• Traditional Rural Architecture (17th – 20th Centuries)
  Represented in the oldest settlement, Povoação Velha. These are simple, functional single-storey houses built from local stone and clay. Previously, roofs were often covered with thatch, but over time this was replaced by tiles.
  Features: Thick walls for protection against the heat, small windows, minimalist decor.
• Religious Architecture (Baroque and Neoclassicism)
  Churches on the island are distinguished by a modesty of form characteristic of Portuguese colonies. These are simplified versions of European styles, adapted to local resources.
  Features: Symmetrical facades, white walls with contrasting edging (often ochre or grey), triangular pediments.
• Modern Resort Style (21st Century)
  With the development of tourism, large hotel complexes and infrastructure facilities have appeared on the coast.
  Features: Use of modern materials (concrete, glass) combined with elements mimicking local flair (stone masonry, open terraces). A striking example of modern adaptation to the climate is the airport building.

Landmark Buildings and Structures

The appearance of Boa Vista is shaped by several key objects that serve as landmarks for tourists and locals:

• Church of Santa Isabel (Igreja de Santa Isabel)
  The architectural dominant of the main square in Sal Rei. The building is executed in colonial style with Baroque elements, painted in sandy-yellow and white tones. It is the centre of social and religious life.
• Fort Duque de Bragança (Forte Duque de Bragança)
  Ruins of a defensive structure on the islet of Ilhéu de Sal Rei. Although the fort is partially destroyed, it remains an important monument of early 19th-century military architecture, serving as a reminder of the era of fighting pirates.
• Old Customs House
  Located on the waterfront, this structure serves as a reminder of the prosperous times of the salt trade. A characteristic example of an administrative colonial building.
• Aristides Pereira Airport
  An example of modern architecture harmoniously integrated into the landscape. The building is constructed from local stone and wood and features open zones instead of solid walls, which allows for natural ventilation and creates a unique atmosphere immediately upon arrival.

Famous Natives and Residents of the Island

Boa Vista is the birthplace of distinguished figures whose influence extended far beyond the island. Politicians who defined the country's destiny and creators who brought fame to Cape Verdean culture worldwide were born here.

• Aristides Pereira (1923–2011)
  First President of the Republic of Cape Verde, political figure
  A native of the village of Fundo das Figueiras. He became a key figure in the country gaining independence and led the state from 1975 to 1991. Aristides Pereira is considered a national hero, a symbol of unity and freedom. The international airport of Boa Vista (Rabil Airport) is named in his honour.
• Germano Almeida (born 1945)
  Writer, lawyer, winner of the Camões Prize
  The most translated author of Cape Verde, born on Boa Vista. His novels, filled with irony and a deep understanding of the island mentality, have become classics of Lusophone literature. His most famous work is "The Last Will and Testament of Senhor da Silva Araújo," set in Mindelo, but the roots of the author's creativity lie in the traditions of his native island.
• Celina Pereira (1940–2020)
  Singer, educator, guardian of folklore
  Known as the "Ambassador of Cape Verdean Culture," Celina was born on Boa Vista. She dedicated her life not only to music (performing morna and coladeira) but also to the preservation of oral traditions, collecting and publishing ancient tales and stories of the archipelago for future generations.
• Teobaldo Virgínio (1924–2001)
  Poet and novelist
  One of the founders of the literary journal "Certeza". In his works, he vividly described daily life, social hardships, and the beauty of Boa Vista's nature, as well as the theme of emigration, which is close to many islanders. His work serves as an important document of the era.
• Moisés Benoliel (19th Century)
  Entrepreneur, representative of the Jewish community
  A prominent representative of a family of Jewish settlers from Morocco who played a decisive role in the economic flourishing of the island in the 19th century. Thanks to their activities, Sal Rei became a major trading port. The historical heritage of this family is preserved in the city's architecture and at the famous Jewish Cemetery.