Dili

Dili is the capital of East Timor and sits along the coast of the Ombai Strait on the northern side of Timor island. The city extends between the sea and mountain ranges with residential neighborhoods, government offices, and open plazas in the center.

The Portuguese founded an administrative center here in 1769, which remained under colonial control until Indonesian occupation in 1975. Independence came in 2002 after a long conflict and a transition period under international administration.

Portuguese tiles and balconies still line many facades, while houses with tropical verandas and open courtyards recall the island's traditional architecture. Markets show daily life with vendors offering local produce and textiles in colorful rows.

The international airport sits just a few kilometers east of the center and connects the city to other countries in the region. Walking along the waterfront road provides orientation, as most main streets run parallel or perpendicular to the sea.

A large Christ statue stands on a hilltop east of the city and gazes over the coastline, while its silhouette becomes visible from afar at sunset. Fishermen still launch their boats directly from the waterfront promenade, as they have done for generations.