The red walls
Of earth.
Karalyn Monteil — CC BY-SA 3.0 igo · Karalyn Monteil — CC BY-SA 3.0 igo · Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Karalyn Monteil — CC BY-SA 3.0 igo · Karalyn Monteil — CC BY-SA 3.0 igo
The Royal Palaces of Abomey are ten palaces spread over about 47 hectares at the heart of Abomey, the old capital of the Kingdom of Dahomey. UNESCO listed them as a World Heritage Site in 1985, and they are among the most important historic sites in West Africa. At the kingdom's height the palaces could house about eight thousand people. The Fon people founded the kingdom in 1625, and twelve kings ruled it until 1900, making it one of the most powerful states on Africa's west coast. Each king built his palace beside those of his ancestors. In 1984 a severe storm struck the town, damaging walls and some halls, which were restored with international help. You see long walls of red earth and low buildings with sloping tin roofs around wide earthen yards. The walls carry coloured bas-reliefs of animals and symbols standing for the kings, such as the fish and the lion. Shade trees grow between the buildings, along with round huts with conical roofs. It is about 102 km from Cotonou in a straight line. Visit with a guide who explains each king's symbols, and arrange one at the entrance. Some parts of the site are being redeveloped, so ask what is open. Ask before taking photos inside.
Of earth.
The kings' symbols.
Trees and huts.
Central Abomey, Benin
As a record of the Kingdom of Dahomey and how it built its palaces.
It is best, as the reliefs carry meanings that need explaining.