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Photo: GBETONGNINOUGBO JOSEPH HERVE AHISSOU, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.Test your knowledge of Porto-Novo, the picturesque and historic capital of Benin. Explore its unique blend of Yoruba roots, Afro-Brazilian architecture, and royal heritage!
Friendly Visitor 0–4 · City Explorer 5–8 · True Porto-Novian 9–10
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Built in the early 20th century, the Great Mosque of Porto-Novo features an extraordinary Afro-Brazilian baroque style. It was constructed by returning Afro-Brazilian descendants, known as Agudas, who modeled it after the grand cathedrals they had seen in Bahia, Brazil.
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The National Assembly of Benin, the country's unicameral parliament, is located in Porto-Novo. This maintains Porto-Novo's status as the political capital, even though most executive ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, operate out of Cotonou.
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Zémidjan comes from the Fon language and means 'take me quickly'. The drivers wear shirts in a colour that shows which city they work in, with a registration number on the back, and every fare is haggled over before the ride.
Photo: nlnnet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.
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The museum houses a world-renowned collection of Gelede masks, which are used in traditional Yoruba masquerades to honor the spiritual power of elderly women and mothers. These beautifully carved wooden masks often depict humorous or insightful scenes of daily life.
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Porto-Novo sits on the Porto-Novo Lagoon, which is linked by a channel to Lake Nokoué, a large lagoon lake next to Cotonou. These waterways have long been vital for trade, fishing and transport, and Lake Nokoué is home to the stilt village of Ganvié, often called the Venice of Africa.
Photo: NASA, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.
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Sourou-Migan Apithy, born in Porto-Novo in 1913, served as the President of Dahomey (now Benin) from 1964 to 1965. He was a key political figure during the country's transition to independence, representing the political interests of the southeastern region centered around Porto-Novo.
Photo: unknown, Présence Congolaise, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.
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Portuguese traders named the city Porto-Novo, 'New Port', in the 1700s, reportedly because it reminded them of the city of Porto. The city also has older local names, such as Hogbonu and Adjatchè.
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Porto-Novo sits in the far southeast of Benin, just a short drive from the border with Nigeria and about 30 kilometers east of Cotonou. Togo lies on the opposite, western side of Benin.
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Adjarra is highly celebrated for its traditional instrument-making, particularly handcrafted wooden drums like the gbon. Artisans in this vibrant town also create beautiful pottery from local black clay, attracting visitors from all over Benin who seek authentic ceremonial instruments.
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The Honmè Museum is housed in the former palace of King Toffa. It contains around 230 rooms and offers a fascinating look into the courtly life, religious practices, and historical artifacts of the ancient kingdom. The courtyard layout is a classic example of local royal architecture.
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