Porto-Novo: The Capital of Benin

Porto-Novo is the capital city of Benin, located in West Africa. The city is famous for its Adjogan music and its rich cultural heritage. It lies in the southern coastal part of the country, close to the Atlantic Ocean, about 100 kilometers west of Lagos, Nigeria, and around 33 kilometers east of Cotonou, Benin’s largest city.

As its name suggests, Porto-Novo is a port city. Porto-Novo means “New Port” in Portuguese. The city was ruled by both the British and the French before Benin gained independence in 1960. Today, Porto-Novo not only serves as the political capital of Benin but also plays an important role as an economic and financial hub in the region. Several important banks are based here, and the local economy relies on agriculture and the oil industry.

Established in the 16th century, Porto-Novo is a historic city with old buildings, landmarks, and cultural sites. Cotonou Airport, the country’s main international airport, is located about 40 kilometers west of the city.

Top Attractions in Porto-Novo

The Alexandre Sènou Adandé Ethnographic Museum, located near the Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature, was founded in the 1960s and houses a collection of over 1,000 objects on local history.

The Royal Palace and its surroundings are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and now serves as a museum, open to visitors.

Stade Charles de Gaulle is the city’s main sports venue, hosting football matches. It is the home stadium of Dragons de l’Ouémé and has a seating capacity of around 15,000.

Porto-Novo is also home to many historic churches and mosques, including Grande Mosquée de Porto Novo and Porto-Novo Cathedral.