[2] Many public buildings are situated in Plateau, notably the Presidential Palace, the cathedral, the city hall and the Ethnographic Museum.

Adjacent neighbourhoods are Gamboa/Chã de Areia to the south, Várzea to the southwest and west, Achadinha to the northwest, Fazenda to the north and Praia Negra to the east.

Due to its strategic position on a plateau it was easily defended against pirate attacks, which gave it a large advantage over the older city of Ribeira Grande (Cidade Velha).

It gradually superseded Cidade Velha to become the most important settlement of Cape Verde, and became the seat of the colonial government in 1770.

In the course of the 19th century, the Plateau was completely redeveloped with streets according to a grid plan, lined with grand colonial buildings and mansions.