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Capital of Benin
Photo: Babylas, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Museé Ethnographique de Porto Novo
This is an interesting museum that takes an intensive look into the past of Porto Novo’s kings. Displaying a good selection of fetishes, old Yourba king masks, costumes, and some musical instruments, this is definitely worth the entrance fee.
Musee Honmé, Palais Royal du Roi Toffa
Former residence of King Toffa. Well maintained, rather simple, palace is a nice look into how Beninese royalty really lived. 1883 was the year King Toffa signed the treaty with French, agreeing to hand over land. The kingdom of Porto Novo was one of the longest lasting in Africa, lasting up until 1976.
Large plaza which contains a statue of the first King of Porto-Novo.
Palais de Gouverneur
Home of the national legislature.
Celebrating Afro-Brazilian influence on the city, this fairly new museum offers a lot of variety. The museum grounds consist of a traditional house, a small library, an open-air cinema showing French films, and a hotel.
Paroisse Mere de l'Eglise du Christianisme Celeste
Celestial Church of Christ (Eglise du Christianisme Celeste) is a Christian denomination, which has grown world wide. The church was founded by S.B.J. Oschoffa.
Behanzin high school
Lycée Behanzin is the first secondary school of Benin. The school celebrated its centennial in 2015.
Grande Mosquee de Porto-Novo
The mosque was established in 1925 with chapel architectural style.
By minibus or taxi
Minibuses and taxis go to Cotonou regularly and are cheap for the 45-minute trip). You will most likely end up at the big market Dantopka in Cotonou unless you choose to descend somewhere before that.
By boat
There are pirogues leaving from Porto arriving less-visited lake villages nearby. Ask around down by the lagoon, about 50 m east of the bridge for prices. No fixed prices.
Traffic isn't overwhelming as in Cotonou. However, like Cotonou, the best way and easiest way to see Porto Novo is by zemidjan.
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Cotonou · International · COO
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Articles and travel topics about Porto-Novo and Benin.
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Culture & historyReligion and spirituality have played a significant role in humanity's history. Many cultural sights from buildings to festivals and traditions are of a religious nature.
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Culture & historyAs the origin of humankind, Africa has been the home of many nations and kingdoms. While ancient North African civilizations such as ancient Egypt and Carthage are famous in Europe and elsewhere, most pre-colonial…
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