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.
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