Holiday in Benin City

What makes Benin City special as a destination?

Benin City is the capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria and the historical center of the Kingdom of Benin — one of the most powerful and artistic empires in Africa, which flourished from the 13th to the 19th century. The name should not be confused with the present-day country of Benin (Dahomey): Benin City is located in Nigeria and was the heart of an independent civilization. The Benin Bronzes are world-famous: Masterful bronze-casting sculptures and relief plaques depicting the Oba (king) and his court are among the most significant artworks in Africa. Most of the bronzes were looted during the British punitive expedition in 1897 and are now in museums worldwide — the debate over their return is one of the most important cultural discussions of our time. The Benin National Museum showcases remaining originals and replicas. The Oba of Benin still reigns today as a traditional ruler: The current Oba Ewuare II was crowned in 2016 and resides in the Oba Palace, a complex that has existed since the 15th century. Ceremonies and festivals such as Igü (December) and Ugie Erha Oba provide colorful insights into a vibrant monarchy. Igun Street (Igun Quarter) is the oldest still-active bronze-casting guild in the world: For over 500 years, artisans have been creating bronze sculptures here using the Cire-Perdue technique (lost-wax casting) — it is UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. The historical city walls of Benin City were once the largest man-made structure in the world — a total of 16,000 km of earthen walls and moats, more than four times the length of the Great Wall of China. Although only fragments remain, they testify to the power of the Kingdom.