Libreville Old Harbor

The Old Harbor of Libreville, centered around the Port Môle area, is the very cradle of Gabon's modern identity and its capital city. Founded in 1849, the settlement was named 'Free Town' (Libreville) after the French Navy intercepted the slave ship L'Elizia and settled fifty-two freed Vili slaves on this coastal site. For over a century, the harbor served as the primary gateway for the entire colony, facilitating the arrival of administrators, explorers, and commercial goods from around the globe. The area witnessed the construction of the first permanent European-style buildings in the country, including the nearby Fort d'Aumale. As the city expanded, the old harbor remained the heart of its maritime activity until the development of larger deep-water ports in the late 20th century. Today, it stands as a symbolic landmark representing the end of the Atlantic slave trade and the birth of a new nation on the shores of the Gulf of Guinea.

Nearby cities

Libreville

The capital of Gabon and a major commercial hub on the Atlantic coast.

Owendo

A major industrial port located south of Libreville.

Ntoum

A town near Libreville serving as an agricultural supply center.

Cap Estérias

Cap Estérias is a laid-back coastal village known for its rocky coves and excellent fresh seafood.

Kango

Strategically located by the bridge over the Komo River.

Cocobeach

A coastal town at the mouth of the Muni River, near Equatorial Guinea.

Cap Santa Clara

A beautiful coastal escape near Libreville, known for its pristine sandy beaches.

Akanda National Park

Akanda National Park protects vital mangrove forests and is a true paradise for migratory birds.

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Crystal Mountains

The Crystal Mountains offer mist-shrouded forests and an incredible diversity of rare orchids.

History & landmarks

Léon Mba Mausoleum

The burial site of the first president of Gabon, Léon Mba, in Libreville.

Presidential Palace

The imposing seat of the President of Gabon in Libreville, a symbol of state power.

Sainte-Marie Cathedral

The historic Catholic cathedral of Libreville, known for its architecture and religious importance.

National Museum of Arts and Traditions

A museum in Libreville exhibiting Gabon's rich cultural history and arts.

Liberty Monument

A monument in Libreville commemorating the abolition of slavery and freedom.

Saint-Michel de Nkembo Church

A unique church in Libreville, famous for its artistically carved wooden columns.

Omar Bongo Stadium

The multi-purpose stadium in Libreville, named after Gabon's long-serving president.

Parliament Building

The seat of the National Assembly of Gabon in Libreville, a modern architectural structure.

Nature

Muni River

A river on the border with Equatorial Guinea, forming a wide estuary.

Komo River

A significant river that flows into the Gabon Estuary near Libreville.

More places

Fort d'Aumale Site

The site of the first French fort in Gabon, which laid the foundation for the establishment of Libreville.

St. Peter's Cathedral Libreville

One of the most important religious sites in the capital, known for its architecture and stained glass.

Port Mole Libreville

The historic commercial and passenger port in the heart of the capital Libreville.

Baraka Mission Station

One of the first Protestant missions in Equatorial Africa, now a historic district of Libreville.

Akanda Mangrove Ecosystem

The dense mangroves of Akanda are a vital nursery for Atlantic fish and crustaceans.

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Owendo Timber Port

Specialized port facilities in Owendo for the global export of Gabonese timber.

Akanda Bird Sanctuary

Important stopover for tens of thousands of migratory birds in the extensive mangroves north of Libreville.

Pointe-Denis Beach

A beautiful stretch of coastline across from Libreville, known for its tranquility.