Benin City

Benin City is the capital city of Edo State in southern Nigeria and is situated between Lagos & Port Harcourt.
From a rather mythical history filled with "Sky gods" and Kings, the rich cultured Benin City has grown to become an iconic city in Southern Nigeria.

Just off the coast - formerly part of the infamous slave trade of yesteryear - Benin City is now home to many of Nigeria's top Secondary and Higher Learning Institutions, including the University of Benin & the Benson Idahosa University - renowned for its advancement in Information Technology.

There are several places of interest to explore when visiting this unique city. These include the National Museum of Benin City, the Oba Palace & Igun Street which is famous for bronze casting and ancient metal artworks.

Home to various festivals, including the Igue festival where the Oba celebrates the history and culture of his people and blesses the land and the people, the Benin Moats, the famous King's Square on Ring Road and traditional markets.

Other places of interest to make sure you experience while in Benin City:

Ogba Zoological Garden
In a forest reserve in Ogba village - it is renowned for rare sightings of local and other species of wildlife.
 
Benin Brass Work
Benin is well known for having the best bronze casters in West Africa.

Okomu National Park
The home of forest elephants, buffaloes, red river hogs, chimpanzees, leopards, bush baby, putty nosed guenon, porcupine, pangolins, duikers and much more!
 
Oba’s Palace
The palace is in the heart of the city which is a centre of historical monuments, dating back to 900 A.D.
 
Benin City Wall & Moat
Locally known as "Iya", the moats and walls were built for protection against enemies. Much of the walls have been destroyed due to invasions, however parts of the old city wall can be found along Murtala Muhammed Way.

Benin City Museum
Home to the most treasured antiquities and the world famous bronze works of the ancient Benin. Other works includes terracotta, Ivory carving and cast-iron artefacts.