Capital Cities of Africa Luanda

The country of Angola is officially known as the Republic of angold and is located on the west-central coast of Southern Africa. It is the seventh-largest country in Africa.

Luanda is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is divided into two parts - Baixa de Luanda and Cidade Alta. The city is the most populous Portuguese speaking city in the world.

Saint Michael Fortress is a Portuguese fortress built in 1576 by the country's first Captian-Governor Paulo Dias de Novais. It has impressive wall tiles that tell the history of Angola. In 1996 it became a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Saviour (pictured above) is a beautiful church built in 1628. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Luanda. The church has three curved doors at the entrance bordered by one larger curved facade.

The Palacio de Ferro or Iron Palace was built by world renowned architect Gustave Eiffel. An interesting tale is that the palace was built in France and was to be moved to Madagascar by boat. Instead due to drifts from currents along the Skeleton Coast of Angola Portuguese rulers brought the palace to Luands. It is a striking yellow structure and is a diamond museum.

The National Museum of Anthropology has over 6,000 artifacts. It highlights the ethnic heritages of Angola through exhibitions of pre-colonial history, religious practices, and ancestral traditions, Visitors can see ceremonial masks, traditional insturments, and learn about the diverse communities and their influence on the identity of the country.

The Museu da Escravatura is housed in a historic building once part of the slave trade. There are artifacts, documents, and interactive display about slavery. It is a great place to learn about slavery in Angola.The exhibits respectfully memorialise those who suffered while highlighting the resilience and eventual triumph of Angola’s people.

Musee de Moeda gives visitors a look into the monetary past of Angola. Exhibits display ancient trade beads, colonial coins, independence-era banknotes and current currency, each reflecting key historical moments.

Mercado do Artesanato is a market where local artisans display their handmade creations among them wooden sculptures, beaded jewelry, traditional textiles, and hand-painted ceramics. Visitors can meet with the aritsts and learn about their creative processes.

Memorial Dr. Agostinho Neto honors the first president and revolutionary leader of angola. This structure is a mausoleum and cultural center with exhibits about his significant role in the independence of the nation.

Quicama National Park is the only functioning national park in Angola. It is located 70 kilometers from the sity and a popular safari day trip. The game reserve opened in 1938 and became a national park in 1957. Animals were transported here from Botswana and South Africa.

South of Luanda you'll find the world famous surfing beach Cabo Ledo. It is a popular surfing destination and also a good place for beginners to surf. The beach has bunglows so people can spend the night.

Miraduoro da Lua is an unusual landscape found outside of the city, It is known for its moon-like surface and translates to Moon Valley Viewpoint. It was formed by cliffs with sharp pinnacles eroded from the wind and the sea.

The peninsula of Mussulo south of Luanda is known for its beach and popular with tourists. The beach offers great views of the city. There are beach huts and restaurants lining it and some hotels and resorts.

The Fortress of Sao Pedro da Barra sits on a hill overlooking the city. The fortress dates back to the 16th century and was built on the ruins of Morro de Kassandama. It became a national monument in 1932 and is today a UNESCO World Heritage site.