Palace of the Governors, Cultural center and mansion in Lomé, Togo
The Palace of the Governors is an administrative building on the southwestern edge of Lomé, standing next to the presidential residence and displaying German colonial architecture from the early 1900s. The structure features distinct elements that reflect its administrative purpose, with a ground floor for services and upper levels for private quarters.
German Governor August Köhler initiated construction of this administrative building between 1898 and 1905, when Lomé became the capital of the German colony. The structure was part of the modernization and infrastructure development connected to establishing the new colonial capital.
The building displays design elements that echo regional traditions, particularly in its courtyard layout, which resembles the royal palace of King Toffa I in Benin. Visitors today can still observe these architectural connections to local heritage in the rooms and structures throughout the palace.
The palace functions as the residence of the Prime Minister and is not open for interior visits, but the exterior and architectural details can be viewed from outside. It is best to visit during daytime to see the colonial architectural features and its location next to the presidential residence clearly.
The palace entrance once featured a grand gateway formed by two elephant tusks extending over 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length. This striking decoration has long since disappeared, but it reveals the location's importance during the colonial era and the incorporation of local symbols in its original design.
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