Formerly known as Benin Kingdom, the city is one of the most ancient in the whole of Africa dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Benin City today is the capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria.
Its rich cultural heritage and experience make it a must-visit for every travel lover. Here are five of what makes this city stand out.
1. The Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin
The palace, which was declared one of Nigeria‘s UNESCO Listed Heritage sites in 1999, is an architectural wonder. However, visitors must not wear black clothing, as black represents mourning and the Oba is seen as a deity who has no reason to mourn. Other prohibited acts include whistling (which is seen as summoning evil spirits) or pointing at the Oba or his chiefs.
2. Benin City National Museum
Benin City National Museum is home to a large number of Nigeria’s terracotta, bronze, and cast iron artefacts. The museum holds three galleries and is one of the largest museums in terms of indigenous artefacts in Nigeria, making it a must-visit for history and culture lovers.
3. Okomu National Park
Okomu National Park is the smallest of the forest reserves in Nigeria. Home to buffaloes, red river hogs, chimpanzees, leopards, bush baby, putty nosed guenon, porcupine, pangolins, duikers, and antelopes, it is also a sanctuary for the white-throated monkey, one of the rarest in the world.
4. Igun Street
Igun-Eronmwon quarters, also known as Igun Street Benin City, is listed as a Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of Benin City’s most visited tourist attractions as the home of the brass/bronze casting industries in Benin.
5. Somorika Hills
Somorika is a town in Akoko, Edo. Somorika boasts seven hills, each with its own unique features and names. Somarika is known across Nigeria and beyond for its spiritual and physical healing powers, and people come from all over the world to be healed here.
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