Abomey : City of Kings & Amazones
Start your exploration of Abomey, the historic heart of the once-mighty Kingdom of Dahomey, with an 8:00 AM departure. Your first stop is the Royal Palace Museums, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a powerful testament to the Fon civilization from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Walk through the earthen structures where 14 kings once ruled, each adding their palace within the same sacred cob-wall enclosure.
Marvel at the extraordinary polychrome bas-reliefs—over 50 recovered and restored—that served as intricate historical records, depicting myths, customs, and military victories of the Fon people.
Continue to the historic Goho Square before delving into the spiritual heart of Benin at the Chameleon Temple, where you' ll learn about the enduring traditions of Vodun. Conclude your morning at the vibrant Vodun market, where the sacred and the everyday intertwine.
By 1:00 PM, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at the renowned Paqueta Restaurant.
(Optional) At 3:00 PM, prepare for a spectacle of color and rhythm: a live performance of the Guèlèdé, Zangbéto or Egungun dance.
It is a vibrant and moving finale to a day immersed in the regal history and living culture of Abomey.
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