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Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge

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Landmark
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Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)

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The Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Pont du Cinquantenaire) is a major infrastructure landmark in Cotonou, built to commemorate 50 years of Benin's national independence. Spanning the lagoon canal, it connects strategic areas of the city to alleviate the chronic traffic congestion that characterizes the economic capital. Inaugurated in 2010, the bridge serves as a symbol of economic modernization and 21st-century progress in the country. The structure features modern engineering and a robust design capable of supporting heavy commercial traffic. It plays a crucial role in the efficient movement of goods from the Port of Cotonou to the interior of the country and neighboring landlocked nations. At night, the bridge is illuminated, creating a striking visual element in Cotonou's urban skyline. As an integral part of the national identity, it marks Benin's journey since gaining sovereignty in 1960. The bridge is more than just a roadway; it is a testament to the vision of a connected and flourishing West African nation.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828282726252525262727
Rain mm213378119174216165931981725520

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge can be used by pedestrians and vehicles - it is a major traffic artery in Cotonou. The pedestrian pathways are well-built.
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Typical hours
The bridge is open around the clock as it is a modern main traffic link. Temporary closures may occur for special events.
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Photography
Photography is possible from the sidewalks and adjacent waterfront areas. Best shots are taken in clear weather when the structure is clearly visible.
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Time needed
A pedestrian crossing takes about 10 to 15 minutes. For a leisurely walk with photo stops, 20 minutes are appropriate.
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Combine with
The bridge is located near the center of Cotonou - combine the visit with a walk to Marché Dantokpa. Cotonou's beach promenade is also nearby.
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Getting there
The bridge is easily reachable by taxi, bus or on foot. From Place de l’Étoile it's about a 15-minute walk.
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Insider tip
Visit the bridge in the late afternoon to see the sunset over the lagoon. Avoid midday when the sun is glaring and it is very hot.

Geography

Coordinates
6.36000, 2.41100

Facts

  • Inaugurated in 2010 for the 50th Independence Day
  • Spans the central lagoon canal in Cotonou
  • Relieves traffic congestion in the economic capital
  • Key corridor for goods transported from the port
  • Modern engineering structure with night lighting
  • Symbol of Benin's progress in the 21st century

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Magic Park CotonouMagic Park Cotonou1 km · NExplore →
Red Star PlaceRed Star Place2 km · EExplore →
Cotonou AirportCotonou Airport2 km · SExplore →
Fishing Port of CotonouFishing Port of Cotonou2 km · NWExplore →
Cotonou LagoonCotonou Lagoon3 km · NExplore →
Autonomous Port of CotonouAutonomous Port of Cotonou3 km · NWExplore →
Bulgaria SquareBulgaria Square3 km · SEExplore →
SOBEBRA Brewery CotonouSOBEBRA Brewery Cotonou4 km · NExplore →

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 Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (1)

Bureau du 11è Arrondissement de Cotonou🏺 historical

This formal administrative building serves the civic needs of the 11th municipal district in pont-cinquantenaire-cotonou-landmarks-v2.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was the bridge built?
It was inaugurated for the 50th anniversary of Benin's independence (2010).
Can you walk across the bridge?
There are sidewalks, but traffic is often very heavy.
What does the bridge connect?
It connects different parts of the city across the Cotonou lagoon.
Is there a good view?
Yes, it has a great view of the lagoon and the city.
Is the bridge safe at night?
It is lit, but as anywhere else, caution is advised at night.
Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge: where is it located?
Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge is located in Benin.
Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge: why is it worth visiting?
The Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Pont du Cinquantenaire) is a major infrastructure landmark in Cotonou, built to commemorate 50 years of Benin's national independence.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Congress Palace of Cotonou — Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)
Congress Palace of Cotonou
A major venue for international conferences, cultural events, and political gatherings in Benin.
Presidential Palace — Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)
Presidential Palace
Official office and residence of the President of the Republic of Benin, known as the Palais de la Marina.
Martyrs' Square — Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)
Martyrs' Square
A monument and square in Cotonou dedicated to the victims of the 1977 mercenary attack on Benin.
Red Star Place — Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)
Red Star Place
A prominent public square in Cotonou featuring a large red star monument, built during Benin's Marxist-Leninist period in the 1970s.
Cotonou City Hall — Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)
Cotonou City Hall
The seat of the Cotonou municipal government, a central building for local politics and administration.
Cotonou Lighthouse — Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)
Cotonou Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse in the port of Cotonou that has guided ships along the Gulf of Guinea for decades.
Cotonou Airport — Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)
Cotonou Airport
Cadjehoun International Airport is Benin's primary air transport hub, connecting the country to the world.
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Jean Pliya Cultural Center
A significant cultural center in Cotonou that hosts theater, exhibitions, and readings.

Nature

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Cotonou Lagoon
The Cotonou Lagoon is a waterway connecting Lake Nokoué to the Atlantic Ocean.

More places

Magic Park Cotonou — Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)
Magic Park Cotonou
A popular family entertainment and amusement park in Cotonou, offering rides, games, and leisure activities for children.
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Fishing Port of Cotonou
The center of Benin's fishing industry, where hundreds of pirogues and trawlers land their catch daily.
Dahomey Amazon Monument — Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)
Dahomey Amazon Monument
A massive statue in Cotonou honoring the legendary female warriors of the Kingdom of Dahomey.
SOBEBRA Brewery Cotonou — Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)
SOBEBRA Brewery Cotonou
Benin's leading brewery, producing a variety of beers and soft drinks for the entire West African market.
Festi'Parc Cotonou — Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)
Festi'Parc Cotonou
A modern recreational park and event venue in Cotonou, frequently used for festivals, concerts, and outdoor community gatherings.
Cotonou Petroleum Terminal — Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)
Cotonou Petroleum Terminal
A strategic facility for the import and storage of fuels, serving Benin and neighboring countries.
Gulf of Guinea — Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)
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 — Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge (Benin)
Bight of Benin
The Bight of Benin is a large bay in the northern part of the Gulf of Guinea, where Benin is located.