Abomey: Royal Palaces and the History of Danxomè

The Royal Palaces of Abomey bring together former royal residences, ceremonial courtyards, bas-reliefs, and museum collections with the history of the Kingdom of Danxomè. On a guided tour, visitors can explore the residences, courtyards, and reliefs with their historical narratives; the museum collections are also part of the experience. This puts the stories of the kingdom, as well as its buildings, in the spotlight. Before your trip, check the current tour arrangements so you can work a guided tour into your plans.

Royal Palaces and UNESCO World Heritage

The Royal Palaces form an architectural complex in the city of Abomey. The complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985; the palace of King Huégbaja (Houégbadja) in Abomey is also part of it. In the wider travel destination of Zou, the Royal Palaces of Abomey also represent the history of the kingdom: they were founded in the 17th century and successively served as the residence of twelve rulers of the Kingdom of Danxomè. The royal courtyards, carved bas-reliefs, and historical collections tell the story of the kings and Amazons of Danxomè. Together, the succession of rulers and the historical depictions offer different perspectives on the kingdom.

The Historical Museum of Abomey

In the wider travel destination of Zou, the Historical Museum of Abomey is located on the grounds of the Central Palace. It occupies part of the former palaces of Kings Ghézo and Glèlè. This gives the museum collection a direct spatial connection to the former palace buildings. The exhibition rooms display, among other things, thrones, intricately carved royal stools, embroidered wall hangings depicting the history of the kingdom, and command staffs decorated with royal maxims. Other items include portable ancestral altars, royal jewelry, sabres, and other weapons. The items on display may change. Visitors interested in material evidence of royal history will find a perspective on the subject here that complements the palaces.

More to explore in the wider travel destination of Zou

In Covè, thermal springs with a small waterfall of 36-degree water are among the attractions. The palace of King Zéhé d’Agolin is another attraction there. Covè thus offers both a natural attraction and a royal palace, while the springs and the palaces of Abomey offer different points of interest.

Another place in the wider travel destination of Zou is Bohicon. There, the underground village of Agongointo-Zoungoudo was discovered in 1998 during road construction. Its constructed cavities lie several meters underground; the village comprises 56 underground houses called “Ahwando,” across about seven hectares. This makes Bohicon’s historical subject quite different from the palace residences and museum collections in Abomey. This distinction can help when choosing where to stay: Abomey offers the local landmarks of the Royal Palaces and the Historical Museum, while Covè and Bohicon offer their own attractions in the wider travel destination of Zou.

Explore more destinations: Abomey, Bohicon

Back to the broader travel overview: Zou.