The Palacio do Povo ("People's Palace"), formerly the Palacio do Governo, is the most photographed building in Mindelo: a wide two-storey pink-and-white colonial palace facing the sea, with a long open arcade along its lower floor and an ornamental cast-iron fence in front.
Built in the 1860s as the residence of the Portuguese governor of the island, it now hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and the occasional concert. The interior is open during exhibitions; outside those, the exterior alone is a five-minute stop. Combine with a walk along the seafront promenade immediately in front.