Palais du bord de mer, Presidential residence in Libreville, Gabon
Palais du Bord de Mer is a government residence along the Libreville coastline that combines European and Gabonese architectural styles. The building blends modern design elements with traditional local forms and shapes the city's waterfront presence.
The palace was designed and built in 1977 by Lebanese-Ivorian architect Pierre Fakhoury under President Omar Bongo's direction. This construction marked an important moment in the modernization of Gabon's state infrastructure.
The palace hosts national ceremonies and government events where political authority and local traditions intersect. Visitors can observe how the building reflects the connection between state affairs and the cultural life of the region.
Access to the interior remains restricted for security reasons, but visitors can view the exterior and surrounding grounds from public areas. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best lighting for seeing the building's facade and landscaping.
In August 2023, the palace became the location where a military coup was announced, giving the building unexpected political significance. This event transformed the otherwise formal setting into the center of a national turning point.
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