Angolan Places That Tell Stories

Today, February 4th, marks the anniversary of the beginning of the Colonial War in Angola, the first step towards Angolan independence. To celebrate, nothing better than a walk through memory lane with some sites that have marked and still mark Angola.

Do not be put off by the title: this article is not about magical places that tell children’s bedtime stories...

Yes, these are magical places but the stories they tell are written differently: they are the History of a nation.

How many places should we visit today? Well, if today is the 4th of February (month 2), what abou we add it up and visit 6 locations? Problem solved – and thank you Math!

1. São Paulo Prison and Reclusion House

Well, the first one is actually two! Two because it was through the attacks of São Paulo Prison and Reclusion House in Luanda, where there were being held various independence fighters, that started the beginning of the end of the colonial period and the beginning of Angola as an independent country as it is today.

2. Kulumbimbi Church (Cathedral of São Salvador of Congo)

The Church Kulumbimbi, located in M'Banza Kongo, formerly São Salvador, is the first church built in sub-Saharan Africa. It was built by the Jesuits between May and July 1491 and elevated to cathedral in 1596. Currently there are only ruins, however, it has aroused the interest of domestic and foreign experts, due to the rarity of its architectural aspect. Pope John Paul II visited the Cathedral in 1992

3. King Mandume Memorial

The Memorial Complex of King Mandume, located in the municipality of Namacunde, Cunene province, southern Angola and was erected in honor of Mandume Ya Ndemufayo, the last king of Kwanyama. It was inaugurated in 2002 by the President of Angola, José Eduardo dos Santos, in the presence of former President of Namibia, Sam Nujoma.

4. Njinga Monument

Njinga Mbande, born in 1582, became famous for the courage and ability to unite different peoples in the struggle against the Portuguese invaders. Her royal title in Kimbundu language – “Ngola” - was the name used by the Portuguese to name this region, Angola.

The importance of this character in the history of Angola is also revealed by her presence in films and... in Angola Buzz!

5. Spell Stone (Zaire, Angola)

According to history, the commune of Spell Stone was formerly known as Boundary Stone, between Angola and DRC, through the Zaire river.

The commune of Spell Stone is distant about 200 kilometers east of the Soyo city, with large tracts of marshy fields of Zaire or Kongo River water.

6. Shameless Garden

The funniest of the six locations: a garden. The garden is located in Bié city center and owes its name to the existence of a statue of a naked woman

Do you want to see the statue that gives the name to the Garden? Okay, we show, but it's shameless.

By the end of this walk through these historic sites, which are just a small sample of the story that Angola has to tell, one thing is certain - all Angolans deserve a pat the back: we are building a fantastic country, based on a long and fabulous history. Congratulations Angola!