The Taneka villages in Benin, located in the Atacora region, are known for their unique cultural heritage, traditional mud-brick architecture, and their role as a living testament to the rituals and customs of the Taneka people.
Benin: Abomey – Dahomey Royal Palaces
Abomey is a historically significant city located in southern Benin, West Africa. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, especially as the former capital of the powerful Kingdom of Dahomey, which flourished from around the 17th to the 19th centuries.
The Kingdom of Dahomey was a powerful West African state that flourished from the early 17th century until its annexation by the French in 1894. Located in what is now modern-day Benin, Dahomey was known for its sophisticated political structure, economic strength, and distinctive culture. The kingdom emerged as a regional power under the leadership of King Houegbadja and was later expanded by his successors, such as King Agaja. The Dahomean economy relied heavily on agriculture, trade, and warfare. It was particularly noted for its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, exchanging enslaved individuals for European goods such as firearms, textiles, and alcohol. The capital city of Abomey became a thriving centre of governance and culture, renowned for its impressive palaces and vibrant traditions.
Dahomey’s military prowess was a hallmark of its society, underscored by the elite corps of female warriors known as the “Agojie” or “Dahomey Amazons.” These women warriors were celebrated for their discipline, courage, and effectiveness in battle, contributing to the kingdom’s reputation as a formidable force. Dahomey’s rulers also maintained a rich spiritual life, incorporating Vodun (Voodoo) practices into their governance and ceremonies. The kingdom’s decline began in the 19th century due to internal strife, economic shifts away from the slave trade, and increasing pressure from European colonial powers. Despite its fall, the Kingdom of Dahomey remains an enduring symbol of African strength, innovation, and resilience, leaving a profound cultural legacy reflected in the region’s art, music, and traditions.
Our visit started outside the entrances to the Royal Palaces of the Dahomey kings. These palaces are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites – and the first thing I noticed as we approached the walls of the palaces was a rather rusty-looking sign showing the UNESCO status of this site. The sign is symptomatic of the state of the Royal Palaces, and the Bénin government is working alongside UNESCO to renovate the palaces. For this reason, much of the place is closed to the public – which is sad. I was not sure how much we would see of the palaces during our visit.
We were introduced to our guide, who was a young knowledgeable man, who explained the history of the Royal Palaces. From the outside, the building looks like a single structure, but if you take a closer look, you can see there are several gates. The site consists of 12 palaces, built over 200 years, between the 17th and 19th centuries. Each palace was constructed by a different king and reflects the distinct architectural and artistic traditions of the kingdom. The palaces are arranged in a planned layout, representing the history and organisation of the Dahomey monarchy.
The layout of each of the palaces is similar. The palaces are enclosed by earthen walls, creating a rectangular compound. The walls served as both a protective barrier and a symbolic representation of the kingdom’s power. Central to each palace is a courtyard, which served as a space for public ceremonies, judicial gatherings, and rituals. The courtyards were integral to the functioning of the kingdom.
The innermost areas were reserved for the king, his immediate family, and key officials, whilst the outer areas housed soldiers, artisans, and other royal attendants. Access to different sections of the palaces was strictly controlled, reflecting the kingdom’s social and political hierarchy.
The palace buildings were constructed primarily from sun-dried adobe bricks, with thatched or palm-frond roofs. The walls are adorned with intricate bas-reliefs depicting historical events, royal achievements, and mythological figures. These decorations incorporated symbolic motifs related to power, fertility, and protection.
Several structures were common to the Dahomey Palaces.
The kings and their families lived in private quarters within the palaces, often richly decorated with symbolic motifs.
There were Administrative Areas, dedicated to governance, including storage areas for tribute goods, meeting rooms for officials, and facilities for military organisation. Also, within the palaces were temples and shrines within the palaces were used for ancestor worship and religious ceremonies. There were specific zones designated for artisans, such as blacksmiths, weavers, and sculptors, who produced goods for the royal court.
The palaces also included the burial sites for kings and prominent members of the court. The King’s tombs are found inside dedicated, sacred buildings.
Our guide took us to a part of the palace where we could enter one of the courtyards. From here we could see one of the king’s tombs and enter a building in which the King would receive guests. It was fascinating stuff. The original adobe buildings and their decorations are still there, but the roofs are made from corrugated steel – so obviously not original, but they have protected the buildings from the elements. The long-term plan is to replace these tin roofs with thatch, as they would have been in their heyday.
Not too far from the palace we were in, was a new site that would be used as the artisans’ market soon. There were workmen there putting a thatched roof on two of the buildings. So, they have the skilled workers to eventually work on the roofs of the palace buildings.
Our final stop on this part of the tour was the current artisan market, which is in the courtyard of one of the palaces that is used for ceremonial purposes today. We were not interested in buying souvenirs, but Karen was delighted to find a little workshop of people weaving brightly coloured cloth.
Planning your visit
Getting to Abomey
- By Air: The nearest international airport is in Cotonou (Cadjehoun Airport). From there, you can travel by car or bus to Abomey, which is about 140 kilometers (approximately 3 hours by road).
- By Road: Abomey is accessible by public transport or private car. Public buses and shared taxis frequently travel from major cities like Cotonou and Bohicon to Abomey.
The best time to visit
The optimal time to visit Abomey, Benin, is during the dry season, which spans from November to February. This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage and historical sites.
During these months, temperatures are generally warm, averaging between 24°C (75°F) and 30°C (86°F), providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
Additionally, visiting in January allows you to experience the vibrant Vodoun Festival, a significant cultural event that showcases traditional music, dance, and rituals unique to Benin.
Planning your trip during this season will enhance your experience of Abomey’s historical landmarks, such as the Royal Palaces of Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and immerse you in the local culture and festivities.
Where to stay in Abomey
Chez Sabine
Chez Sabine is a charming bed and breakfast located in Abomey, Benin, offering guests a serene and welcoming atmosphere. The property features simple yet meticulously clean rooms equipped with air conditioning and hot water, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy the beautifully maintained garden and savor delicious meals prepared by Sabine herself, with both dinner and breakfast receiving high praise from visitors.
The warm hospitality at Chez Sabine is frequently highlighted in guest reviews, with many noting the exceptional service provided by Sabine and her staff. The bed and breakfast is situated on a quiet street off the main road, providing a peaceful retreat for travelers exploring the historical city of Abomey. With its combination of comfort, cleanliness, and outstanding service, Chez Sabine stands out as a top choice for accommodation in the area.
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