There are various monuments worth visiting in Benin. The most famous of them is the royal palace, which can be seen in the capital. It was built in the 19th century by King Glele. The palace is a complex of buildings and courtyards decorated with statues of lions and elephants.
There is an interesting ethnographic museum on the territory of the palace. There is a collection of historical objects, such as photographs and documents from the period of French colonization. Some of them are very well preserved; for example, there is a collection of passports issued to Africans during that period.
The building in which the exhibits are displayed used to serve as a granary for storing rice from the surrounding villages. It has been restored to its original appearance, including a huge vaulted ceiling supported by wooden beams.
Here you can also see several examples of traditional Beninese art - ceremonial masks and sculptures carved from wood or ivory. To get to this museum, you need to climb a few steps to the hill above the palace grounds; it's worth it!
It is also worth seeing the Grand Mosque, located near the palace of King Glele.
There are many markets in Cotonou where you can buy food and souvenirs, as well as local jewelry. There are also many attractions that attract tourists, for example, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Paix, the National Museum of Benin and the Ethnographic Museum of Abomey.
The country is also famous for its cuisine and music. Traditional music includes: BL, Sokito, Tchink-tink, Afrobeat, Zaban...
Many festivals are held in Benin, one of which - the Mask Festival - takes place on August 1.
Here are some of the most interesting sights:
- National Museum in Porto Novo (capital). The museum has a large collection of works of art, including the famous Benin bronzes, which are considered spiritual objects.
- The palace in Abomey, which is located outside Porto Novo. It is believed that this palace is the largest in Africa, and it was built by the first king of the Dahomey Empire. Some rooms contain preserved human skulls and skin, as well as many other disturbing things. The walls are also decorated with frescoes depicting various battles that this empire waged against other tribes.
- City walls and palaces of Huaida (former Portuguese trading post). They have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- Cotonou Market. At the market you can buy everything from fruits and vegetables to more unusual things, such as snakes, monkeys or dried fish. Don't miss it when you're in Benin!
- The island of Gori near Dakar is known for its slave fort, where many people from Africa were kept. The best place to
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