São João Baptista (Ribeira Grande de Santiago)

São João Baptista is a church located in Ribeira Grande de Santiago, Cape Verde. It is a significant historical and religious landmark, reflecting the early Portuguese colonization of the islands. The church, dedicated to John the Baptist (São João Baptista in Portuguese), is one of the oldest European-built structures in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ribeira Grande de Santiago, also known as Cidade Velha (Old City), was the first European settlement in the tropics and served as an important trading post in the Atlantic. The construction of São João Baptista church began in the late 15th century and continued into the early 16th century. Its architecture reflects a blend of Portuguese Manueline style with influences from other European and African building traditions, demonstrating the cultural exchange occurring at this important crossroads.

The church is a testament to the ambition and challenges of early European colonization. Its presence underscores the city's importance in the slave trade and its role as a center of commerce and religious conversion. While the church has undergone renovations and changes over the centuries, its historical significance remains undiminished. Today, São João Baptista is a protected monument, contributing to Ribeira Grande de Santiago's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is a major attraction for tourists and historians interested in the early history of Cape Verde and its connection to the wider Atlantic world.