Tower of Misericórdia

Ribeira Grande [“Cidade Velha”], Santiago Island, Cape Verde

Religious Architecture

The tower of the Misericórdia Church situated at the north end of Calhau Street was part of the complex formed by the Misericórdia church and hospital. Friar Francisco da Cruz ordered it built in 1556. The square belfry features ashlar quoins; also visible are marks indicating the stairs that accessed the windows. The construction material included ashlars and stone and brick masonry. Only ruins remain. A 1962 survey of the former Misericórdia’s ruins exists, with a plan showing the outline of the building and tower.

• Fernando Pires
• José Manuel Fernandes