Palace of the Kings Bell, Royal palace and monument in Douala, Cameroon.
The Palace of the Kings Bell is a government building and cultural center in Douala that combines multiple architectural influences. The structure contains a restaurant and houses the Espace Doual'Art cultural institution for exhibitions and events.
The building was commissioned in 1905 by the German government for King Auguste Manga Ndumbe, who established large plantations along the Kamerun-Wui river. It became the royal family's administrative center in the Littoral region and reflected colonial influence of that era.
The palace represents the Bell dynasty's authority over the region and how successive rulers maintained their seat of power in Douala. Visitors can observe traces of this royal lineage in the building's structure and its ongoing role as a symbol of local governance.
The palace is centrally located in Douala and relatively straightforward to reach on foot or by local transport. The cultural venue and dining options make it convenient to spend time exploring both the architecture and current cultural activities.
The building earned the nickname La Pagode from French writer Louis-Ferdinand Céline during his stay in Douala between 1916 and 1917. This name referenced the structure's unusual architectural form, which resembled Asian pagodas to the observant author.
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