 Did you know? |
 “SÉ DE MBANZA KONGO” RUINS. |
Mbanza Kongo was, in the XIII Century, the capital city of the ancient kingdom of Kongo, that icluded the territories of Angola, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire) and Gabon.
The first contacts with the Portuguese date back to 1490, more than 500 years ago, and São Salvador´s
bishopric was created by request of Kings Filipe I and Álvaro II by Bulla of Pope Clemente VIII, in May 20th of 1596.
It was the first church constructed by the Portuguese situated south of the Ecuator, and, though only in ruins, still awakes curiosity.
| MUXIMA'S FORTRESS. |
Founded in 1599 on the coast of Angola, on the banks of the river Kwanza, it is a monument associated to the years of Portuguese occupation. The fortress was a base for the Portuguese forces that were going towards the inlands to do the "Kuata-Kuata's" war, the war between African allies and Europeans who were working for them gathering other Africans to turn them into slaves. These slaves went by foot, in long rows, towards Calumbo's villa where they embarked in Muxima's Port to lower the river Kwanza by ship, where finally they were traveled towards America.
| | AMBRIZ HISTORICAL ZONE. |
Angolan history is very tied to slavery. Ambriz historical zone is formed by a set of buildings tied to the marketing and slaves' traffic. It is composed of the fortress, the store, the headquarters of the former administration, and a church. Ambriz was one of the most important ports for the loading and shipment of "human goods". That is why several European powers, such as Holland or France, fought constantly to gain its control.
| PALANCA NEGRA REAL (HIPOTRAGUS REGIA). |
The Black Royal Lever is a giant antelope that exists only in Angola, in the province of Malange and together with the image of "The Thinker" (O Pensador), constitutes one of the symbols of the country.
| WELWITCHIA MIRABILIS. |
The Welwitchia Mirabilis is a plant that can only be found in the province of Namibe. This plant is the symbol of this Province, to the south of Angola, which borders the country of Namibia. |
