Abomey: Royal Palaces and Cultural Heritage

Abomey has a clear historical focus: the royal palaces reflect the history of the Kingdom of Danxomè, and Place Goho commemorates its resistance to French colonization. The city also has cultural connections linked to royal history and the identity of the Fon people. If you are looking for a hotel, this profile can be a useful starting point for deciding whether Abomey suits your travel plans.

The Royal Palaces: Layout and History

The Royal Palaces of Abomey cover 47 hectares and consist of ten palaces. Some stand side by side, while others were built on top of one another in succession according to the line of succession. The layout makes clear that this is an organized complex, not a single palace building. Together, the size of the site and the number of buildings convey a sense of the complex’s scale and internal structure.

The courtyards also follow a hierarchy: they are arranged in a sequence of increasing importance. Gates in the walls of the main enclosure lead to each courtyard. Thus, the layout of the site is shaped not only by the palaces themselves, but also by the sequence of courtyards and their gates. In the broader travel destination of Zou, the historical roots of the Royal Palaces of Abomey date back to the 17th century: they were founded at that time and successively served as the residence of twelve rulers of the Kingdom of Danxomè.

As the kingdom’s decision-making center and a center for the development of craft techniques, the palaces served political and artisanal functions. They also housed the kingdom’s treasures. In the broader travel destination of Zou, carved bas-reliefs and historical collections are also part of the palaces’ heritage; they trace the history of the kings and Amazons of Danxomè. The artworks and collections thus complement the architectural complex with historical themes.

Memorial Sites and Traditions in Abomey

Another historical landmark is Place Goho. The square is a memorial to the Kingdom of Danxomè’s resistance to French colonization. An imposing statue of King Gbèhanzin stands there. The memorial and statue connect the place’s name with a specific chapter in royal history. The Chameleon Basilica is also one of Abomey’s iconic sights.

Abomey was the former capital of the Kingdom of Danxomè. Vodun temples there embody a living tradition closely connected to royal history and the identity of the Fon people. Abomey’s cultural dimension therefore extends beyond the succession of rulers and the architecture of the palaces: it also encompasses a tradition that is significant to the history and identity of the Fon. This connection is a distinctive feature of the destination.

Other Places of Interest in the Broader Travel Destination of Zou

Within the broader travel destination of Zou, Covè offers different points of interest from Abomey. Covè’s attractions include thermal springs with a small waterfall of 36-degree water. King Zéhé d’Agolin’s palace is another local attraction. These places of interest represent Covè’s own themes; by contrast, the royal palaces and Place Goho are part of Abomey’s profile.

The underground village of Agongointo-Zoungoudo is located in Bohicon. It was discovered in 1998 during road construction work. Its constructed cavities lie several meters underground; the village comprises 56 underground houses known as “Ahwando,” spread across about seven hectares. Compared with Abomey’s palace complex, these underground houses represent a different historical and architectural focus within the broader travel destination of Zou.

Covè and Bohicon offer other distinct themes within the broader travel destination of Zou. First, base your choice on which of these historical and cultural connections interest you most for your trip.

Go to the broader travel overview: Abomey.