Walk the World Series: Benin - Porto-Novo and Abomey

Porto-Novo and Abomey are two important cities in Benin, serving as the administrative capital and the historical cultural center, respectively. Porto-Novo is the official capital of Benin and the location of government institutions; Abomey is a historic cultural city in Benin, famous for the Royal Palace of Abomey. Porto-Novo is the official capital of Benin, but the actual administrative center is located in Cotonou, where many government institutions remain. Abomey was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey in Benin, known for the Royal Palace of Abomey (a World Cultural Heritage site). Figures 1-4 show the Portuguese Cathedral in Porto-Novo, built during the Portuguese colonial period by enslaved Africans taken by colonizers, with a history of several hundred years. As a representative colonial-era building, it not only reflects the architectural craftsmanship of the time but also carries Benin’s historical memory from the colonial era. It is an important physical resource for studying the fusion of West African colonial architecture and culture. Figures 9-10 depict the venue where Vodun religious ceremonies are held. Figures 11-13 show the Royal Palace of Abomey (Palais Royal d'Abomey), which was the residence of successive kings of the Kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Benin). Built in the 17th century, it is an important relic of West African ancient kingdom architecture and culture. Figures 15-19 display the Abomey Royal Palace Museum, which houses a large collection of royal artifacts such as ritual items and murals, making it an important place for studying Benin’s history. Figure 20 features a statue of Behanzin, the last king of the Kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Benin). Born in Abomey’s royal family in 1844 and ascending the throne in 1889, he was a national hero who resisted French colonial invasion. As a symbol of Benin’s national spirit, this statue not only commemorates Behanzin’s struggle for national independence but also serves as an important carrier for the Beninese people to inherit patriotism and remember history. It is located in Goho Square in the center of Abomey and is a significant historical and cultural landmark in Benin.