The cloth
Bright African prints.
Francisco Anzola from United States — CC BY 2.0 · Dan Sloan — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Andrew Moore from Johannesburg, South Africa — CC BY-SA 2.0 · twohundred 2010 — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Step may — CC BY-SA 4.0
Lomé Grand Market is a large market in the heart of Togo's capital, at the foot of the cathedral, taking up a whole city block. It is almost as old as the city itself, and with the Port of Lomé it is one of the city's great economic and social hubs, about 1.2 km in a straight line from Lomé beach. The market grew up in the colonial era, suffered a major fire in January 2013, and was rebuilt until 2017. It has three sections, known locally as Atikpodji, Assigamé and Assivito. The market is tied to the stories of the businesswomen known locally as the «Nana Benz», who for decades dominated much of the trade in cloth and crafts. Colourful umbrellas shade the stalls, bolts of bright African wax-print cloth pile high, and traders sell spices such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves and nutmeg. The red-striped spires of the cathedral rise over the crowds, and local musicians sometimes play here. The market is extremely busy, so keep valuables close, bargain politely and ask before photographing traders. Morning, before the heat builds, is best.
Bright African prints.
Cinnamon, star anise, cloves.
Colour over the stalls.
Central Lomé, Togo
Sacred Heart CathedralThe Sacred Heart Cathedral is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Lomé and o3 minutes walk
Seafront BeachThe Seafront Beach is a long strip of sand on the Atlantic that runs along the s14 minutes walk
Independence MonumentThe Independence Monument stands in central Lomé, the capital of Togo, built to 17 minutes walkBusinesswomen who for decades dominated part of the cloth trade here.
In the morning before the heat; mind your belongings.