Royal Palaces of Abomey, Royal residence complex in Abomey, Benin.

The Royal Palaces of Abomey are ten palaces on 47 hectares in Abomey, built of earth with walls about 0.5 m thick that kept the rooms cool. Each palace is enclosed by walls forming three courtyards: outer, inner and private. Roofs were straw and sheet-metal; woodwork used palm, bamboo, iroko and mahogany. The surviving palaces of Glèlè and Guézo, with polychrome bas-reliefs, now hold the Historical Museum of Abomey.

These palaces developed over multiple centuries and served as the heart of a major kingdom that shaped trade and politics in the region. They stand as evidence of this dynasty's long rule and influence across West Africa.

The palace walls display carved reliefs that tell stories of the Fon people and show what daily life meant to them. Visitors can read these carvings to understand what mattered most in the kingdom and how people lived.

Two of the larger palaces contain a museum with royal objects and can be visited with guided tours. Plan for warm weather and wear comfortable shoes, since the site requires walking to explore the grounds.

In November 2021, France returned 26 works from the Musée du quai Branly, among them a throne and sculptures of kings Gezo, Glélé and Béhanzin. The restitution is the subject of the 2024 documentary film Dahomey.