Forte Real de São Filipe (Cidade Velha, CV)

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The Forte Real de São Filipe, also known as the Royal Fort of São Filipe or simply Fortaleza, is situated on top of Achada Forte in the city of Ribeira Grande, current Cidade Velha, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande de Santiago, on the island of Santiago in Cape Verde. Positioned prominently over the city, 120 meters above sea level, it was the first and most important fortification in the archipelago. It headed up the defensive system of the city, which also included, at its center, Forte do Presídio, overlooking the beach, with only foundations remaining today; to its east by Forte de Santo António, whose remains still exist, Forte de São João dos Cavaleiros, now gone, and Forte de São Veríssimo, of which only two batteries remain; and to the west by Forte de São Brás, with remains existing, and Forte de São Lourenço.