Porto-Novo! At first glance, one might mistake it for a European city, but nothing could be further from the truth. Porto-Novo is a Beninese city in West Africa. It is renowned as a historic city and official capital of Benin. It stands among the most cherished destinations for travellers visiting Benin. A city brimming with compelling historical narratives and buildings dating back to the colonial era.

HISTORY

Looking at a map, you'll notice that the city of Porto-Novo is separated from the sea by a lagoon that intersects the city, creating numerous islands along its shores. Generally speaking, Porto-Novo is a Beninese capital, unofficially known for its administrative affairs regarding the state. In other words, it serves as the country's political and administrative capital. Territorially, the city lies in southern Benin, precisely 13 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean.

Formerly called the kingdom of Hogbonu, Porto-Novo has well preserved traces of its past, not only in architectural and royal terms, but also in the country's economic sphere. The city's history dates back to the 15th century, during the period of royalty. One account speaks of a city founded by three hunters of Yoruba ethnicity from Nigeria. Another legend tells of a city founded in the 15th century by Aja princes from West Africa, in a locality teeming with fishermen on the shores of Lake Nokoué. Centuries passed, and it was not until the 18th century, in 1724, that a new kingdom was born bearing the name Hogbonu. Meanwhile, the city experienced significant economic growth due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. At the same time, the city built a large wharf to further promote trade with the Portuguese and French. Then, in 1730, the kingdom known as Hogbonu was replaced by Porto Novo (new port). A name bestowed by a Portuguese man named Eucharistus de Campos, simply because the city bore a striking resemblance to the Portuguese city of Porto.

During this period, the city became particularly enriched through the slave trade, a commerce in enslaved people between European leaders (France and Portugal). A market that consequently devastated countless families across Black Africa. At the end of the 19th century, King Sodji, who was on the throne, signed a protectorate treaty with Western powers, notably the French. Twenty years later, another form of mandatory protectorate was concluded with King Toffa I, leading to the city being placed under colonial rule. Thus French colonial administration was established and the city became the capital of Benin.

PORTO-NOVO TODAY

Today, the city of Porto-Novo ranks among the most visited cities in Benin, and even among the finest tourist destinations in West Africa. Recently, its population has been counted at approximately 300,000 inhabitants. Being occupied early by Westerners, Porto-Novo is now renowned for its colonial buildings dating back several centuries. This is why it retains prestigious architecture (among the most well-preserved heritage sites in the world). It is a place where you can find the Grand Mosque, a religious building of Afro-Brazilian design located in the heart of the city's great market. History even tells us that in the distant past, this structure was a Christian temple. You can also find the old Alexandre Sènou Adandé Museum of Ethnography. A site honouring Yoruba culture, it stands as a symbol between the Beninese government and its ethnic roots. This place thus preserves all the relics that have marked the city's history and its tribes. Indeed, Porto-Novo never ceases to surprise its visitors with its tourist attractions. It also offers travellers the chance to visit the Honmé Museum, the royal palace of King Toffa. The latter is a site museum holding approximately 230 objects preserved in its collections, including relics of a royal court in meticulous detail. Then there is the da Silva Museum, a place that further collects the heritage of slavery, honouring the ties between the Beninese population and Brazil.

CLIMATE

The city of Porto-Novo enjoys a humid tropical climate. This type of climate is often called an equatorial four-season climate, featuring two dry seasons (November to mid-March and mid-July to mid-September) and two rainy seasons (mid-March to mid-July and mid-September to mid-November). Humidity generally averages around 75%, which is significant for the city. Temperatures are mostly pleasant, ranging between 20°C and 32°C.

Like all other cities in southern Benin, Porto-Novo is technically connected by road to the surrounding countries. You can pass through Nigeria or Cotonou, depending on your preference.

To get around the city of Porto-Novo, rest assured, there is nothing to worry about. Indeed, the city offers the population various means of transport. This is similar in all cities in Benin: buses, shared taxis and motorcycles commonly called "Zém" are the primary modes of transport. These public transport options are very practical for both locals and tourists.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN PORTO-NOVO

• Take a look at the Honmé Museum and the da Silva Museum
• Explore the Alexandre Sènou Adandé Museum of Ethnography
• Visit Songhai Centre: a research, teaching and agricultural production facility.
• Enjoy a pleasant stroll through Jean Bayol Place Garden
• Tour Notre Dame Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
• Visit the Grand Mosque in the heart of the city centre.