Benin City, which is also known as the capital of Edo State, is situated on the branch of the Benin River and lies along the main highways from Lagos to the Eastern states. It was formerly known as the Benin Kingdom and is also one of the most ancient cities in the whole of Africa, standing partly as the remains of what was once a powerful and famous African Empire during the 15th and 16th centuries.
From its rich cultural attractions and traditions to its colorful festivals and world-renowned art, below are the top sights in Benin City:
1. The Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin: The Oba of Benin is the traditional ruler of the Edo people, and his palace has sacred cultural significance. The palace, which is centrally situated at the heart of the city, was erected by Oba Ewedo and later rebuilt by Oba Eweka II. However, a visit to the palace comes with rules and regulations as regards traditions, but as a visitor, a tour guide will be available to visitors so as to enjoy the sight.
2. Benin City National Museum: This is one of the largest museums in terms of indigenous artefacts in Nigeria, making it a suitable place to visit for history and cultural lovers. This museum has three galleries, and it exhibits regularly a large number of Nigeria’s terracotta, bronze, and cast iron artefacts.
3. Okomu National Park: This is Nigeria’s smallest forest reserve, home to buffalo, red river hogs, chimps, leopards, bush babies, putty-nosed guenon, porcupine, pangolins, duikers, antelopes, and white-throated monkeys. It is a forest block that covers 1,082 sq. km and whose park holds a remnant of the Nigerian lowland forests that once formed a continuous 50-100 km wide belt from the Niger River west to the Dahomey Gap in Benin. This park is also suitable for butterfly lovers and bird watchers.
4. Igun Street: also known as the Igun-Eronmwon quarters, is home to Benin’s brass and bronze casting industries. It is one of Benin City’s most visited tourist centers and it displays one of the 31 guilds of the Oba of Benin of the ancient and magnificent Benin kingdom.
5. Shomorika Hills: Shomorika is known to have seven hills, each with its own unique features and names. Ogundugundu is the highest and longest of them all, while one of the geographical wonders is Oriakpe Hill, where the rock wears a little cap shaped like a fingernail. Shomorika is known across Nigeria and beyond for its spiritual and physical healing powers, and people come from all over the world.
6. Kada Plaza: This spot offers a different modern view to the cultural sights and sounds that usually characterize a historic city. Kada Plaza is one of the best places to chill out with friends and family. It offers other services such as a cinema, an arcade, a Chinese restaurant, a shopping complex, and a go-kart racing arena.
7. Benin Moat: This is the largest man-made earthwork in the world that covers the old perimeter section of the city. It was constructed as a defensive barrier in times of war, and a major benefit it has is that it predates the use of modern earth-moving equipment or technology in these parts.
8. Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre: This is a fine architectural masterpiece with beautiful murals of Edo traditional motifs. The center is known to have become the hub of cultural activities in Benin City and houses the National Art Gallery within its walls.
Benin City, Nigeria has become an untapped tourist paradise with long stretches of well-preserved tradition, culture, and enchanting tourist attractions.