Plizio Visual Lab
Dahomey Amazon Monument
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Dahomey Amazon Monument in Cotonou is an imposing symbol of female empowerment and Benin's military heritage. Standing 30 meters tall, this bronze statue depicts a warrior of the legendary Agojie, an all-female military unit of the Kingdom of Dahomey. These women, often referred to as Amazons by Westerners, played a vital role in defending the kingdom from the 17th to the late 19th century. The monument was officially inaugurated on July 30, 2022, as part of Benin's initiative to celebrate its pre-colonial history and national identity. Located near the Presidential Palace, the statue has quickly become a defining landmark of Cotonou's skyline. Designed by Chinese sculptor Li Xiangqun, it portrays the bravery and discipline of the warriors who fought valiantly against French colonial forces. Today, the site serves as a central gathering point and a premier tourist destination, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Dahomey Kingdom.
- Location: Benin
- Top sights: Anciens entrepôts CFAO · Ciment Bouclier · Ancienne Banqie Ouest Africaine
- Nearby: Azizakouè (46 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 21 | 33 | 78 | 119 | 174 | 216 | 165 | 93 | 198 | 172 | 55 | 20 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Dahomey Amazon Monument stands in a public square in Cotonou and can be viewed from the outside at any time. Access to the monument itself is free and unrestricted.
Typical hours
As it is an outdoor monument, there are no official opening hours. It is best visited during daylight to clearly see the statue's details.
Photography
Photography is expressly allowed and encouraged - the statue is a popular photo subject. Avoid using intrusive equipment like tripods when crowds are present.
Time needed
A visit to the monument typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, as it is a single statue. Allow extra time if you wish to explore the surrounding square and area.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk through downtown Cotonou, including the Grande Marché and the coastal promenade. The Zinsou Foundation Museum is also nearby.
Getting there
The monument is located in central Cotonou and is easily reached on foot, by taxi, or by bus. Most hotels in the city are a short walk or taxi ride away.
Insider tip
Visit the monument early in the morning to avoid crowds and the intense midday heat. Bring a camera - the statue is especially photogenic at sunrise.
Geography
Facts
- The statue stands 30 meters tall and is made of solid bronze
- Inaugurated on July 30, 2022, by President Patrice Talon
- Depicts an Agojie warrior, famously known as a Dahomey Amazon
- Created by the renowned Chinese sculptor Li Xiangqun
- Located at the Esplanade des Amazones in the heart of Cotonou
- Serves as a symbol of resistance against French colonial expansion
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Dahomey Amazon Monument (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who are the Dahomey Amazons?
An all-female elite military unit of the former Kingdom of Dahomey.
How tall is the monument?
It is 30 meters tall and the tallest statue in Benin.
Where is the monument located in Cotonou?
Behind the Convention Center, near the coastal road.
Is photography allowed at the monument?
Yes, it is a popular photo spot for both tourists and locals.
When was the monument inaugurated?
It was officially inaugurated on July 30, 2022.
Dahomey Amazon Monument: where is it located?
Dahomey Amazon Monument is located in Benin.
Dahomey Amazon Monument: what is there to see?
Highlights include Anciens entrepôts CFAO, Ciment Bouclier, Ancienne Banqie Ouest Africaine.
Dahomey Amazon Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Dahomey Amazon Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The Dahomey Amazon Monument in Cotonou is an imposing symbol of female empowerment and Benin's military heritage.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Benin →
History & landmarks
Autonomous Port of Cotonou
The economic heart of Benin and one of West Africa's most important deep-water ports for transit trade.
🗺️
Jean Pliya Cultural Center
A significant cultural center in Cotonou that hosts theater, exhibitions, and readings.
Old Bridge of Cotonou
The first bridge to connect the two halves of Cotonou across the lagoon, serving as an important symbol of urban development.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy
The distinctive red-and-white striped cathedral of Cotonou is an architectural gem and the center of Catholic faith in the city.
Cotonou Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse in the port of Cotonou that has guided ships along the Gulf of Guinea for decades.
Cotonou City Hall
The seat of the Cotonou municipal government, a central building for local politics and administration.
Martyrs' Square
A monument and square in Cotonou dedicated to the victims of the 1977 mercenary attack on Benin.
Presidential Palace
Official office and residence of the President of the Republic of Benin, known as the Palais de la Marina.
Nature
More places
SOBEBRA Brewery Cotonou
Benin's leading brewery, producing a variety of beers and soft drinks for the entire West African market.
Cotonou Petroleum Terminal
A strategic facility for the import and storage of fuels, serving Benin and neighboring countries.
Magic Park Cotonou
A popular family entertainment and amusement park in Cotonou, offering rides, games, and leisure activities for children.
🗺️
Fishing Port of Cotonou
The center of Benin's fishing industry, where hundreds of pirogues and trawlers land their catch daily.
Festi'Parc Cotonou
A modern recreational park and event venue in Cotonou, frequently used for festivals, concerts, and outdoor community gatherings.
Gulf of Guinea
The Gulf of Guinea forms the entire southern coast of Benin and is part of the tropical Atlantic Ocean.
Bight of Benin
The Bight of Benin is a large bay in the northern part of the Gulf of Guinea, where Benin is located.