Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo
Location: Mbanza Kongo, Angola
Year of Inscription: 2017
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history.
Overview: Mbanza Kongo, also known as São Salvador, is a historic city located in northern Angola. It was the capital of the Kongo Kingdom, one of the largest and most powerful states in Central Africa from the 14th to the 19th century. The city is home to numerous archaeological and cultural sites, including the remains of the royal palace, the cathedral, and the royal cemetery, which showcase the unique architectural and cultural heritage of the Kongo people.
Prominent Features: The Mbanza Kongo site is home to many impressive structures that showcase the unique architectural style of the Kongo people. Some of the most prominent features include the remains of the royal palace, the cathedral, and the royal cemetery. Visitors can explore the city's fascinating history by taking a guided tour of the various archaeological and cultural sites.
History: Mbanza Kongo was founded in the 14th century by the Kongo Kingdom, which controlled a vast territory that included parts of present-day Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Congo. The city served as the capital of the kingdom and was an important center of trade and commerce. Mbanza Kongo was also a center of learning and culture, and was home to many scholars, artists, and artisans.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors to Mbanza Kongo can explore the city's rich cultural heritage by taking a guided tour of the various archaeological and cultural sites. The city is also home to many parks and green spaces, where families can enjoy a picnic or relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Fun Fact: Mbanza Kongo was one of the first African cities to have a written language, known as Kikongo ya leta. The language was used to write official documents, record historical events, and communicate with other African kingdoms and European colonizers.
Entry Fees: Entry to Mbanza Kongo costs around 3,000 AOA (approximately 5 USD) for adults, and 2,000 AOA (approximately 3.5 USD) for children. The site is open from 8:30am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays. It is recommended to check the opening hours in advance as they may be subject to change. Guided tours of the site are available for an additional fee.
How to Reach it: Mbanza Kongo is located in northern Angola, approximately 400 km from Luanda, the capital city. Mbanza Kongo is located in northern Angola and can be accessed by various means of transportation.
By Air: The closest airport to Mbanza Kongo is the Mbanza Kongo Airport, which is located approximately 8 kilometers from the city center. This airport mainly operates domestic flights within Angola, and there are limited international flights. However, visitors can also fly into the Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda, which is the largest airport in Angola, and then take a connecting flight to Mbanza Kongo.
By Road: Mbanza Kongo is accessible by road from several cities in Angola, including Luanda, Uige, and Soyo. The roads leading to Mbanza Kongo are generally in good condition, but visitors are advised to use four-wheel drive vehicles due to the rough terrain in some areas. Buses and taxis are also available for travel between cities. Some popular bus companies that operate on this route include Tura Bus and Etrago. The journey typically takes around 8-10 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. It's recommended to book your bus tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as buses can fill up quickly.
By Rail: Currently, there is no railway network linking Mbanza Kongo to other cities in Angola. However, there are plans to construct a railway line that will connect Mbanza Kongo to Luanda and other cities in the future.
By Water: Angola has a long coastline, and visitors can travel by sea to Mbanza Kongo. There are ports in Luanda and Soyo that serve passenger ships and ferries. Visitors can also take a boat or a canoe ride along the Congo River, which runs near Mbanza Kongo.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in Mbanza Kongo, including budget-friendly hotels, guesthouses, and luxury resorts. Some popular options include the Hotel Kinwica, the Hotel Malele, and the Hotel Mbanza Kongo.
Year of Inscription: 2017
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history.
Overview: Mbanza Kongo, also known as São Salvador, is a historic city located in northern Angola. It was the capital of the Kongo Kingdom, one of the largest and most powerful states in Central Africa from the 14th to the 19th century. The city is home to numerous archaeological and cultural sites, including the remains of the royal palace, the cathedral, and the royal cemetery, which showcase the unique architectural and cultural heritage of the Kongo people.
Prominent Features: The Mbanza Kongo site is home to many impressive structures that showcase the unique architectural style of the Kongo people. Some of the most prominent features include the remains of the royal palace, the cathedral, and the royal cemetery. Visitors can explore the city's fascinating history by taking a guided tour of the various archaeological and cultural sites.
History: Mbanza Kongo was founded in the 14th century by the Kongo Kingdom, which controlled a vast territory that included parts of present-day Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Congo. The city served as the capital of the kingdom and was an important center of trade and commerce. Mbanza Kongo was also a center of learning and culture, and was home to many scholars, artists, and artisans.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors to Mbanza Kongo can explore the city's rich cultural heritage by taking a guided tour of the various archaeological and cultural sites. The city is also home to many parks and green spaces, where families can enjoy a picnic or relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Fun Fact: Mbanza Kongo was one of the first African cities to have a written language, known as Kikongo ya leta. The language was used to write official documents, record historical events, and communicate with other African kingdoms and European colonizers.
Entry Fees: Entry to Mbanza Kongo costs around 3,000 AOA (approximately 5 USD) for adults, and 2,000 AOA (approximately 3.5 USD) for children. The site is open from 8:30am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays. It is recommended to check the opening hours in advance as they may be subject to change. Guided tours of the site are available for an additional fee.
How to Reach it: Mbanza Kongo is located in northern Angola, approximately 400 km from Luanda, the capital city. Mbanza Kongo is located in northern Angola and can be accessed by various means of transportation.
By Air: The closest airport to Mbanza Kongo is the Mbanza Kongo Airport, which is located approximately 8 kilometers from the city center. This airport mainly operates domestic flights within Angola, and there are limited international flights. However, visitors can also fly into the Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda, which is the largest airport in Angola, and then take a connecting flight to Mbanza Kongo.
By Road: Mbanza Kongo is accessible by road from several cities in Angola, including Luanda, Uige, and Soyo. The roads leading to Mbanza Kongo are generally in good condition, but visitors are advised to use four-wheel drive vehicles due to the rough terrain in some areas. Buses and taxis are also available for travel between cities. Some popular bus companies that operate on this route include Tura Bus and Etrago. The journey typically takes around 8-10 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. It's recommended to book your bus tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as buses can fill up quickly.
By Rail: Currently, there is no railway network linking Mbanza Kongo to other cities in Angola. However, there are plans to construct a railway line that will connect Mbanza Kongo to Luanda and other cities in the future.
By Water: Angola has a long coastline, and visitors can travel by sea to Mbanza Kongo. There are ports in Luanda and Soyo that serve passenger ships and ferries. Visitors can also take a boat or a canoe ride along the Congo River, which runs near Mbanza Kongo.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in Mbanza Kongo, including budget-friendly hotels, guesthouses, and luxury resorts. Some popular options include the Hotel Kinwica, the Hotel Malele, and the Hotel Mbanza Kongo.