The Changing Face Of Luanda

OVERVIEW

See the new face of rapidly changing Luanda and its historical landmarks, many of which were built by the Portuguese that occupied the city during much of the colonial period. After departing from the pier, you will begin a leisurely drive through Luanda, a capital city experiencing an inspiring resurgence following Angola’s civil war, which ended more than a decade ago. The country’s oil resources have fueled much of the growth and affluence, which is evident along crescent-shaped Marginal Bay, where you will stop for photos. You will also pause briefly for photos at the Church of our Lady of Remedies, a lovely colonial church that has been renovated numerous times. You might also stop at the Iron Palace, a pre-fab structure shipped from France in the 19th century that may have been designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame).

A photo stop will also be made at the Gothic-style church of Los Remedios which was built in 1719 as a chapel. Currently, Los Remedios Church is considered one of the most beautiful and best preserved churches of San Luis. Next, it’s on to the National Anthropology Museum where you’ll browse exhibits devoted to subjects such as Angola’s turbulent history and traditional culture. Tribal masks are particularly well represented. The capital’s oldest relic is the Portuguese-built San Miguel Fort, which in 1664 was altered into the shape of a star to better guard the entrance to the bay. You will have time to explore the fort before visiting the Agostinho Neto Mauseleum, a rocket-like tower built to honor Angola’s first president. Continuing on, you’ll drive through “Cidade Alta”, or uptown, a pleasant, airy and calm suburb nestled above the rest of the city, with several pink colonial buildings. Here you’ll have the opportunity to see the Presidential Palace as well as the Prime Minister’s office and the Ministries of Defense, Immigration, Justice, Health and the British Embassy. Then you will drive past the beautiful Catholic Church “Igreja de Jesus”, where many important people of Angolan high society get married before heading to ‘Baixa’ or downtown - to view the houses of parliament – both new and old. After driving past many areas in the city which are due for total upgrades, and whole communities being moved, you’ll soon realize that this is truly a city that has a rapidly changing face – well on its way to regaining its mantle of yesteryear - the ‘Paris of Africa’. After this unique day of touring, you’ll make your way back to the pier, passing the National Bank of Angola – a great example of colonial architecture where you can still find the Portuguese insignia on the main entrance.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the unaltered colonial architecture of the Church of Our Lady of Remedies.
• Understand Angola’s history and traditional culture at the National Anthropology Museum.
• See Luanda’s oldest building, San Miguel Fort, which guards the entrance of picturesque Marginal Bay.
• View the Presidential Palace and other government buildings that showcase Angola’s resurgence.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.