Benin City, Ancient capital city in southern Nigeria
Description
Benin City sits in southern Nigeria and serves as the capital of Edo State, with a busy downtown and spreading suburbs. Streets radiate from the Oba Market area in several directions, while residential neighborhoods fill the space between palm groves and newer buildings.
History
The city emerged in the thirteenth century as the center of the Edo Kingdom and remained a major trading hub until British troops arrived in 1897. Portuguese merchants came as early as the fifteenth century and created early ties between the region and Europe.
Culture
The Igue festival marks the traditional new year celebrations in Benin City, with ceremonial activities centered around the Oba's palace.
Practical
The city has road links to Lagos in the west and to eastern states, with regular traffic along main routes. Ports like Koko and Sapele in the Niger Delta are reachable from here and offer connections to the coastal region.
Did you know?
The pre-colonial settlement was surrounded by one of the longest earthwork systems ever built by humans, requiring centuries of manual labor. These fortifications stretched over wide areas and showed the organizational ability of Edo society.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Edo State).
Royal Palace Of Oba Of Benin
246 m
Benin City National Museum
22 m
National Museum Benin City
22 mBinin City Walls and Moat
1.4 kmChief Ogiamien's House
2.4 kmEkenede Shrine
458 mOba Palace
251 mGlass House
2 kmCentre culturel Oba Akenzua
353 mBENIN MOAT
4 kmChief Olor's Palace Shirine
5 kmCommunity Shrine
523 mEdion -Edo Shrine
160 mEkpenede Shrine
150 mBenin Club Golf Course
1.4 kmNative Shrine
846 mEdogun of Benin
500 mUloko - N'ogbe N'alaka Shrine
377 mOgiekae Palace
2.8 kmShrine
844 mShrine
602 mShrine
400 mOliha Palace
2.2 kmEdohen Palace
1.6 kmEzomo Palace
1.3 kmOguedion N'Iwehen Shrine
746 mShrine
1.8 kmShrine
916 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes