Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
powers had to reckon with for centuries. Its winding lanes dotted with palaces and
temples, Abomey is shrouded with a palpable historical aura and filled with character.
Sights
Musée Historique d'Abomey
MUSEUM
( 22 50 03 14;
www.epa-prema.net/abomey
; admission CFA2500; 9am-4.30pm)
Abomey's main and
seriously impressive attraction (and a World Heritage Site), this sprawling museum is
housed in two palaces, those of the ancient kings Ghézo and Glélé. The museum displays
royal thrones and tapestries, human skulls that were once used as musical instruments, fet-
ish items and Ghézo's throne, mounted on four real skulls of vanquished enemies.
The admission fee includes a guide (only French is spoken), who will take about an
hour to show you around the courtyards, ceremonial rooms and burial chambers. The tour
finishes at the Centre des Artisans, where you can buy appliqué banners.
DON'T MISS
THE ROUTE OF KINGS
The tourist office runs excellent cultural tours focusing on Abomey's rich architectural heritage. They last about
two hours and cost CFA3000 per person (not including
zem
rental). There are some 10 sites to be seen, all of
which have an air of faded majesty about their crumbling walls. Highlights include Palais Akaba, Place de Goho,
Palais Ghézo, Palais de Glélé, Temple Hwemu, Temple Zéwa and Palais Agonglo - the best kept of Abomey's
nine palaces.
Sleeping & Eating
A La Lune- Chez Monique
GUESTHOUSE
$
( 22 50 01 68; north of Rond-Point de la Préfecture; r CFA7500-8500; )
You'll love the exotic
garden, complete with antelopes, crocodiles, tortoises, monkeys, flower bushes and huge
wood carvings. Accommodation-wise, it's a bit less overwhelming, with no-frills, yet spa-
cious, rooms. The on-site restaurant is average; opt for a contemplative drink in the
garden instead.
Auberge d'Abomey
GUESTHOUSE
$$
( 95 82 80 28, 97 89 87 25;
www.hotels-benin.com
; Rond-Point de la Préfecture; s/d with fan CFA12,500/14,000,
with air-con CFA17,000/20,000;
)
This reliable option off the main roundabout is a small, rus-
