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National Assembly of Benin

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National Assembly of Benin (Benin)

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The National Assembly of Benin is the country's unicameral legislative body, located in the official capital city of Porto-Novo. It consists of 109 deputies who are elected for five-year terms to represent the interests of the Beninese people. For decades, the assembly operated within the historic Governor's Palace before the construction of a grand new parliamentary complex was commissioned. The design of the new building is inspired by the traditional African 'palaver tree,' a symbol of communal discussion and democratic consensus. This architectural landmark represents Benin's political evolution and democratic consolidation since the landmark National Conference of 1990. Situated in the city's administrative district, the complex is surrounded by landscaped gardens and government offices. The assembly serves as the primary site for legislative debate, lawmaking, and oversight of executive actions. It stands as a powerful symbol of national sovereignty and the commitment to constitutional rule in the Republic of Benin.

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 National Assembly of Benin in Porto-Novo is a political building typically not open to tourists. It is clearly visible from the outside and represents the country's modern architecture.
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Typical hours
There are no public interior visiting hours. The forecourt and streets are accessible at any time, best visited in daylight.
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Photography
Exterior photos are allowed from public roads. It is advised not to directly photograph security personnel and to act discreetly.
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Time needed
A photo stop at the facade takes about 10 minutes. If you explore the surrounding neighborhood with other colonial buildings, allow 30 minutes to an hour.
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Combine with
The National Assembly is near the Palais de la Présidence and the Musée Honmè. These sights are easily walkable and can be included in a city tour.
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Getting there
The building is located in central Porto-Novo on Avenue de la Nation. It is reachable by taxi or on foot; public parking is available in the area.
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Insider tip
Visit during parliamentary sessions (usually on specific weekdays) to see more political activity. Ask at the reception about a possible guided tour if available.

Geography

Coordinates
6.48900, 2.62200

Facts

  • Located in Porto-Novo, the official capital
  • Consists of 109 elected deputies
  • Members serve a five-year term of office
  • The new building design honors the palaver tree
  • Housed for years in the colonial Governor's Palace
  • Central to Benin's democracy since 1990

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Great Mosque of Porto-NovoGreat Mosque of Porto-Novo<1 km · NWExplore →
Songhai CenterSonghai Center2 km · EExplore →
Porto-Novo LagoonPorto-Novo Lagoon8 km · WExplore →
Sèmè-Kpodji Industrial AreaSèmè-Kpodji Industrial Area13 km · WExplore →
Ouémé RiverOuémé River16 km · SExplore →
Bird Habitat of Lake NokouéBird Habitat of Lake Nokoué20 km · SExplore →
Lake NokouéLake Nokoué20 km · SExplore →
Festi'Parc CotonouFesti'Parc Cotonou23 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town National Assembly of Benin (10)

Kandévié Radio xôkon

Attraction in Porto-Novo, a local radio station with cultural programming.

Aux enfants du Bénin morts pour la liberté

Monument in Porto-Novo commemorating Benin's children who died for freedom.

Espace Ubuntu

Attraction in Porto-Novo, a space for community and cultural exchange.

Voodoo-Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Porto-Novo showcasing the Voodoo religion and its rituals.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Lourdes

Church building in Porto-Novo, Benin, a Catholic cathedral.

Ouadada

Arts centre in Porto-Novo, with restaurant, residences, art exhibitions, and concert stage.

Grande Mosquée de Porto-Novo

Mosque in Porto-Novo, Ouémé, Benin, a major Islamic place of worship.

Musée Da-Silva🏛 museum

Museum in Benin, displaying historical and cultural collections of the country.

Temple des Zangbétô

Attraction in Porto-Novo, traditional temple of the Zangbétô spirits.

Musée Honmè🏛 museum

Museum in Benin, presenting royal history and artistic treasures.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the parliament located?
In Porto-Novo, the official capital of Benin.
Can one attend parliamentary sessions?
This is usually only possible with special permission or an invitation.
Is the building architecturally interesting?
Yes, it is a representative building in a modern style.
Are there security checks?
Yes, access to the grounds is strictly guarded.
Can one eat nearby?
Yes, there are many local restaurants in downtown Porto-Novo.
National Assembly of Benin: where is it located?
National Assembly of Benin is located in Benin.
National Assembly of Benin: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kandévié Radio xôkon, Aux enfants du Bénin morts pour la liberté, Espace Ubuntu.
National Assembly of Benin: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
National Assembly of Benin: why is it worth visiting?
The National Assembly of Benin is the country's unicameral legislative body, located in the official capital city of Porto-Novo.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Governor&#39;s Palace — National Assembly of Benin (Benin)
Governor's Palace
A magnificent colonial building in Porto-Novo that once served as the seat of the French administration.
Charles de Gaulle Bridge — National Assembly of Benin (Benin)
Charles de Gaulle Bridge
A central bridge in Porto-Novo crossing the lagoon, facilitating traffic between the capital and Cotonou.
Lenin Square — National Assembly of Benin (Benin)
Lenin Square
A historic square in the Akpakpa district that commemorates the political roots of modern Benin.
Autonomous Port of Cotonou — National Assembly of Benin (Benin)
Autonomous Port of Cotonou
The economic heart of Benin and one of West Africa's most important deep-water ports for transit trade.
Bulgaria Square — National Assembly of Benin (Benin)
Bulgaria Square
A notable plaza in Cotonou that commemorates international cooperation during the socialist era.
Cotonou Airport — National Assembly of Benin (Benin)
Cotonou Airport
Cadjehoun International Airport is Benin's primary air transport hub, connecting the country to the world.
Friendship Stadium — National Assembly of Benin (Benin)
Friendship Stadium
The largest stadium in Benin, located in Cotonou, serving as the main venue for national football matches and major cultural events.
University of Abomey-Calavi — National Assembly of Benin (Benin)
University of Abomey-Calavi
The main campus of Benin's largest university, a major hub for education and research in West Africa.

Nature

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Porto-Novo Lagoon
The Porto-Novo Lagoon stretches along the capital of Benin, connecting the Ouémé River to the Nigerian border.
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Ouémé River
Benin's longest river, flowing over 500 kilometers and serving as a vital waterway for agriculture, fishing, and regional transport.
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Lake Nokoué
Lake Nokoué is the largest lagoon in Benin, located north of the city of Cotonou.
Sô River — National Assembly of Benin (Benin)
Sô River
The Sô is a river in southern Benin that flows parallel to the Ouémé and empties into Lake Nokoué.
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Cotonou Lagoon
The Cotonou Lagoon is a waterway connecting Lake Nokoué to the Atlantic Ocean.

More places

Great Mosque of Porto-Novo — National Assembly of Benin (Benin)
Great Mosque of Porto-Novo
An architectural marvel in Porto-Novo, this mosque features a unique Brazilian-Baroque style, reflecting the return of Afro-Brazilians in…
Porto-Novo Botanical Garden — National Assembly of Benin (Benin)
Porto-Novo Botanical Garden
The Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature is a historic botanical garden in Porto-Novo, featuring ancient trees and sacred Voodoo sites.
Ethnographic Museum of Porto-Novo — National Assembly of Benin (Benin)
Ethnographic Museum of Porto-Novo
A museum showcasing a rich collection of masks, weapons, and everyday objects from Benin's various ethnic groups.
Da Silva Museum — National Assembly of Benin (Benin)
Da Silva Museum
A private museum housed in a historic Brazilian mansion, documenting the history of the Afro-Brazilian community in Benin.
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Songhai Center
A world-renowned agro-ecological center in Porto-Novo promoting sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Musée Honmè — National Assembly of Benin (Benin)
Musée Honmè
Formerly the palace of King Toffa, this museum in Porto-Novo offers insight into the royal life and traditions of the Hogbonu kingdom.
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Sèmè-Kpodji Industrial Area
A growing industrial area near the Nigerian border, combining logistics, production, and trade.
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Agonvy Palm Oil Refinery
A significant industrial facility in Agonvy dedicated to the processing of palm fruit into oil, a key export product of Benin.