AMAZING PLACE TO VISIT IN BENIN CITY NIGERIA

The Ancient Kingdom of Benin is located in Edo state, Nigeria. The city has always been action packed and centre of tourism.

I will take time to show us some cool place here.

We cant jump to others without paying visit to where it all started from. You might be wondering where, it is definitely the BENIN PLACE.

THE ROYAL PALACE OF THE OBA BENIN
One of the most famous Royal houses in Africa. The palace, built by Oba Ewedo (1255AD – 1280AD), is situated at the heart of ancient City of Benin. It was rebuilt by Oba Eweka II (1914 – 1932) after the 1897 war during which it was destroyed by the British. The palace was declared a UNESCO Listed Heritage Site in 1999. An architectural marvel at its time, the palace still commands the awe of visitors. Seen as a sacred site amongst the Benin People, it has its dos and donts with reasons embedded in their culture. One of which includes no wearing of black, the Oba is seen as a deity who can have no reason to mourn, since the colour black represents mourning, the Oba must not set eyes upon it. Others include whistling (whistling is seen as summoning evil spirits), pointing at the Oba or his chiefs (even the Oba seldom points at anyone except to place a blessing or a curse), use an umbrella (only the Oba can be covered by an umbrella in his palace, even his chiefs leave their umbrellas at the entrance), no dogs allowed (dogs are the ingredients of many a sacrifice in Benin), no carrying of palm kernel or oil ( even vehicles transporting them are not allowed near the palace, it's red colour looks like blood and is seen as an ominous sign). There are also many restricted areas (legend says those who have gone to such places are yet to speak of the mysteries within).

The second place i will be stretching my research to is

The Ogiamen House

The Chief Ogiamien Ancient Palace building is located at No. 97 Sokponba Road in Benin City. It is a National Monument situated within the city walls and moat (another historical monument).Built about 1130AD, it has great significance as the only building that predates the emergence of OBASHIP in Benin political organization and the only building that survived the 1897 British expedition and siege. It was declared a National Monument in May 26th 1959.

Another place you cant over estimate is the BENIN CITY NATIONAL MUSEUM
The Benin City National Museum opened to the public on August 10, 1973. The Museum contains priceless objects of antiquities from Benin Kingdom and other parts of the country. The first known Benin Museum started in the Oba’s Palace. With 3 galleries the museum is one of the largest museums in terms of indigenous artefacts in Nigeria.

IGUE FESTIVAL
Igue festival is a celebration with its origin in the Benin Empire. It was originally celebrated as a festival to renew Oba Ewuare's magical powers. One tradition states that the festival date coincided with the marriage of Ewuare to a wife named Ewere.Celebrated between Christmas and New Year, the festival includes the Oba's blessing of the land and his people. During the Igue ritual season, the Oba is prohibited from being in the presence of any non-native person.

HOLY ARUOSA CATHEDRAL

Lays claim to being the oldest church in Nigeria. It was built in the 15th century situated in Akpakpava Street in the ancient city of Benin. Aruosa (eye of God) is the Benins version of the Church of England or the Dutch Reformed Church. The Portuguese brought Christianity to the imperial Benin kingdom in the 15th century during the reign of Oba Esigie {about 1504-1550} and during this period, Missionaries were sent from Portugal to establish churches in the kingdom. The Benin Monarch is the head of the church, his deputy is the crown prince and the priests called Ohen-Osa are responsible to him .The pattern of worship is a mixture of indigenous beliefs and Roman Catholic practices.

KADA PLAZA
In an ancient city which finds pride in its history, Kada Plaza is a breath of fresh air. The Plaza is one of the best places to hang out, relax or just have a fun time. With a cinema, Chinese restaurant , shopping complex and go kart racing available, Kada Plaza has something for everyone.

This are tips of the iceberg you will find in this great City, richly covered and blessed.

BENIN CITY IS RICHLY BLESS

GOD BLESS AFRICA

GOD BLESS NIGERIA

I HOPE YOU HAVE A NICE TIME WHEN YOU PAY THIS CITY A VISIT.