Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History
Settlement of the area around Beira dates to at least the 9th century AD, when small fish-
ing and trading settlements dotted the nearby coastline. The most important of these was
the fabled Sofala (
Click here
)
. Following Sofala's decline, trade continued well into the
19th century, although on a smaller scale.
In 1884 a Portuguese landholder and imperialist named Joaquim Carlos Paiva de
Andrada established a base at the mouth of the Púngoè River (at the site of present-day
Beira) as a supply point for his expeditions into the interior. He also wanted to promote
development of the Mozambique Company - one of the many charter companies set up
by the Portuguese in their attempts to solidify their control over the Mozambican hinter-
lands. Paiva de Andrada was not the only one enamoured of Beira's charms. The British
also found the area enticing as an export channel from their landlocked inland territories
to the sea. Over the next decade, it became a focus of dispute between the two colonial
powers before ultimately going to Portugal in 1891.
Andrada, who meanwhile had made Beira the headquarters for his Mozambique Com-
pany, began to develop its harbour facilities. At the same time, a railway line to the interi-
or was completed and Beira soon became a major port and export channel for Southern
Rhodesia (Zimbabwe).
From the mid-20th century, Rhodesia's links with South Africa increased, cutting into
Beira's transport monopoly. By this time, however, Beira's significance as a port was es-
tablished and it continued to be one of Mozambique's hubs.
During the war years, Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama had his headquarters at Marín-
guè, northwest of Beira near Gorongosa, and both Beira and Sofala province continue to
be Renamo strongholds.
Orientation
The heart of the city is the area around the squares of Praça do Município and Praça do
Metical. Near here, you'll find shops, banks, telecom and internet facilities, plus an array
of street-side cafes. North of the two squares is the old commercial area of the baixa, with
the port and some impressive colonial-style architecture, while about 1km east is Praça do
Maquinino, the main bus and transport hub. From Praça do Município, tree-lined streets
lead south and east through the shady and charming Ponta Gêa residential area to Avenida
das FPLM. This then runs for several kilometres along the ocean, past the hospital to
Makuti, another residential area fringing Beira's small stretch of beach. At the end is the
old red-and-white Makuti
lighthouse
, dating to 1904.
