Brazzaville, Capital city on Congo River, Republic of the Congo
Description
The capital sits on the western bank of the Congo River and stretches across hilly terrain with residential neighborhoods, government buildings, and parks extending from the waterfront inland. Wide streets pass through different districts where trees provide shade and markets gather in open squares.
History
The settlement began in 1880 through a treaty between French delegates and local ruler Makoko. It later became the capital of French Equatorial Africa and kept this role after independence in 1960 for the new Republic of the Congo.
Culture
The city's name honors French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, who built peaceful relations with local leaders. Residents commonly speak French and Lingala, and markets display textiles, carvings, and fresh produce from the region.
Practical
The best visiting period falls during the dry season from May to September when temperatures are slightly cooler and rain is less frequent. Taxis and motorcycle taxis offer rides within the city, while ferries cross the river to neighboring towns.
Did you know?
The capital faces Kinshasa directly and forms the only pair of neighboring capitals worldwide separated by a river. On clear days you can see the skyline of the other city distinctly from the riverbanks on the opposite shore.
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Martyrs' stadium
8 km
Livingstone Falls
9.2 km
Stade Tata Raphaël
9.5 km
Palace of the Nation
3.8 km
Tour de l'Échangeur de Limete
14.3 kmBrazzaville–Kinshasa Bridge
1.9 km
National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo
8 km
Palais du Peuple
7.8 kmPalais de Marbre
10.8 km
Stade Municipal de Kintélé
14 km
Nabemba Tower
2 km
Central Market, Kinshasa
6.4 km
Basilique Sainte-Anne-du-Congo de Brazzaville
1.5 kmNational Museum of Kinshasa
6.9 km
Brazzaville Zoo
1.2 km
Case de Gaulle
2.5 km
Kinshasa botanical garden
6.2 km
Stade 24 Novembre
7.5 km
Sacred Heart Cathedral, Brazzaville
316 m
National Library of the Democratic Republic of Congo
4.1 km
Kinsuka Bridge
11.2 km
Statue de Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza
1.3 km
Église Saint-Pierre-Claver
3.8 kmEmbassy of Germany, Brazzaville
1.3 km
Brazzaville Zoo
1.1 kmFalls Regina
8.6 kmTexaf Bilembo
5.7 km
Total market
3.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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