Sightseeing in Luanda - what to see. Complete travel guide

Luanda is a city located in the south-west of Africa, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, near the mouth of the Cuango River. Luanda is the capital of Angola. The city was founded in the period of Portuguese colonization in 1575. During the entire period of colonization of Angola, the population of the country has never stopped its resistance to the imposed authority and fought for the independence of the country. However, it took many years to win that battle and Angola received independence only in 1975.

The Portuguese invasion has left its influence on the history of this city. Luanda is a truly picturesque city, which is divided into two parts - Upper and Lower Town. The city has a shape of a semi-circle and is built around the bay. It is the Lower City that contains almost all the historical monuments that belong to the time of colonization. An ancient fort San Miguel is one of those sights of colonization. It is built on the cape with the same name. Today a historical museum is organized on the basis of the fort. Near the fort are also located several ancient churches: Carmelite, Jesuit, Madonna Nazareth, and a monument devoted to the peoples of Africa.

The Lower and Upper Cities are divided by a broad coastal terrace, which is several tenths of meters high. The Upper City features an abundance of green houses with turrets and verandas. This is also the location of government agencies, parliament, the palace of the president and the bishop, the Cathedral, the seminary and the University of Angola. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Among the most popular beaches of Luanda are Mussulu, Ile, Belas, and Corymbia. Near the coast of one of the beaches is located a small palm island, which traditionally amazes visitors by its beauty.

A very interesting collection of historical and ethnographic exhibits is presented in the Dundu Museum. Its visitors will be able to see the beautiful items of national clothes that the locals wore hundreds of years ago, and to explore the collection of items which were, and ritual supplies. This museum presents an interesting collection of historical artifacts that witnessed many important historical events.

The outstanding architectural monuments of a later period can be admired during a walk in the Upper City. Now, in this new part of Luanda, there are buildings of important government institutions, including the Presidential Palace and the Bishop's Palace. Next to these palaces are the most splendid mansions in the city with spacious verandas decorated with exotic plants.

On the territory of the Upper City, is located the Academy of Music. It will be interesting for everyone who is interested in music classics to visit. There are often concerts of classical music that can be visited by absolutely everyone, but many more tourists are attracted by musical events dedicated to national music.

Fans of theatrical art in Luanda will also not be bored. They can choose several wonderful theaters at once. All of them are completely unlike the official theaters, which can be seen in major cities; these theaters have an amateurish status rather than a professional one. Their performances, which are often not played by professional theater actors, but by ordinary people from among locals who are interested in theatrical art, are more interesting for travelers.

In the vicinity of the capital are incredibly interesting and beautiful savannahs, which will impress wildlife lovers. For travelers, jeep safaris are held here, during which they can see typical representatives of the African fauna: leopards, elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes and various kinds of monkeys. Also, these protected places are famous for the variety of exotic birds. Ornithologists come from around the world to listen to their singing. There are a lot of rare birds that are distinguished by special singing abilities. In some safe areas of the savannah, tourists can walk on foot and look at the majestic trees that have surprisingly adapted to the hot climate.