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Memorial of Omar Bongo

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Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)

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The Memorial of Omar Bongo Ondimba in Franceville is a grand monumental complex dedicated to the memory of Gabon's longest-serving president, who led the nation from 1967 to 2009. The structure serves as both a mausoleum and a museum, meticulously documenting Bongo's life, his political career, and his significant impact on African diplomacy. The architecture of the memorial is striking and modern, featuring polished marble, soaring ceilings, and expansive ceremonial halls. Inside, the museum houses a vast collection of state gifts, photographs, and personal memorabilia that chronicle the history of Gabon during the 'Bongo era.' Franceville was chosen as the site for this memorial because it is the president's ancestral home and the capital of his native province, Haut-Ogooué. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the complex provides a peaceful space for reflection and national remembrance. It is a major landmark in Central Africa, attracting state visitors and tourists who wish to understand the modern political history of Gabon. The memorial highlights Omar Bongo's role as a regional mediator and his efforts to promote national unity and economic development through the country's oil wealth.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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Avg °C252525252525252525242425
Rain mm133147204197168391332126260278189

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The monumental Memorial of Omar Bongo in Franceville is accessible around the monument. Interior access may be limited to special occasions.
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Typical hours
The outdoor area is always accessible. During official commemorations, the square may be temporarily closed.
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Photography
Photography of the monument from the outside is allowed. Avoid photographing private or restricted areas.
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Time needed
Viewing the outdoor area takes about 20-30 minutes. For further information, ask at the local tourist office.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the Franceville market or the nearby church. A walk through the town is also worthwhile.
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Getting there
The monument is in central Franceville, reachable on foot or by taxi. Parking is available nearby.
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Insider tip
Visit the monument in the morning to avoid midday heat. Watch for official flags hinting at ceremonies.

Geography

Coordinates
-1.63800, 13.58200

Facts

  • The memorial complex was officially established following Omar Bongo's death in 2009.
  • Omar Bongo served as President of Gabon for exactly 41 years and 6 months.
  • The site is located in Franceville, the third-largest city in Gabon.
  • The museum section includes a hall dedicated to Bongo's role as an international mediator.
  • The gardens surrounding the memorial cover several hectares of manicured landscape.
  • It serves as a primary site for national commemorations and official state visits.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza SitePierre Savorgnan de Brazza Site<1 km · NEExplore →
M'Passa CanyonsM'Passa Canyons5 km · NEExplore →
Biniomi Manganese MineBiniomi Manganese Mine10 km · SEExplore →
Baniaka MountainsBaniaka Mountains15 km · NWExplore →
Poubara DamPoubara Dam16 km · WExplore →
BongovilleBongoville30 km · NExplore →
DiengaDienga37 km · SWExplore →
Batéké HighlandsBatéké Highlands37 km · NWExplore →

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 Memorial of Omar Bongo (1)

Cathédrale Saint-Hillaire

Cathedral in the city, serves as a place of worship for the Catholic community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the memorial located?
The Omar Bongo Memorial is located in Franceville, the capital of the Haut-Ogooué province.
Who was Omar Bongo?
He was the second president of Gabon, leading the country for over 40 years until his death in 2009.
Can you visit the interior?
Yes, there is a museum inside that documents the life and legacy of the former president.
What are the opening hours?
Usually Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; hours may vary on public holidays.
Is photography allowed?
Outdoor photos are generally allowed, but photography is often prohibited inside the museum.
Memorial of Omar Bongo: where is it located?
Memorial of Omar Bongo is located in Gabon.
Memorial of Omar Bongo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Memorial of Omar Bongo: why is it worth visiting?
The Memorial of Omar Bongo Ondimba in Franceville is a grand monumental complex dedicated to the memory of Gabon's longest-serving president, who led the nation from 1967 to 2009.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Franceville — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
Franceville
One of the largest cities in Gabon and the terminus of the Transgabon Railway.
Moanda — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
Moanda
An important mining town known for its manganese deposits.
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Okondja
A significant center in the Haut-Ogooué province.
Léconi — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
Léconi
Known for the surrounding canyons and the plateau.
Mounana — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
Mounana
Formerly a center of uranium mining in Gabon.
Akieni — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
Akieni
An important agricultural center in the Haut-Ogooué region.
Bakoumba — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
Bakoumba
A significant town formerly known for its cable car transport.
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Bongoville
The birthplace of former President Omar Bongo.
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Boumango
A remote town in the far southeast of Gabon.
Onga — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
Onga
A settlement in the northeast of the Haut-Ogooué province.

History & landmarks

Saint-Hilaire Cathedral — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
Saint-Hilaire Cathedral
The prominent cathedral of Franceville, a spiritual center in eastern Gabon.
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Poubara Dam
A significant hydroelectric dam on the Ogooué River, supplying energy to the region.
Bridge of Vines of Poubara — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
Bridge of Vines of Poubara
A traditional bridge made of vines, representing an impressive artisanal achievement.
Moanda Manganese Mine — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
Moanda Manganese Mine
One of the largest manganese mines in the world, an industrial landmark of Gabon.
Bateke Plateau National Park — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
Bateke Plateau National Park
This unique park features rolling savanna, forest galleries, and canyons, offering a stark contrast to Gabon's typical dense rainforests.

More places

Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Site — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Site
Historical site related to the famous explorer who laid the foundations for today's Gabon.
Franceville Colonial Administration — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
Franceville Colonial Administration
Historic administrative buildings from the time of French Congo in eastern Gabon.
M&#39;Passa Canyons — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
M'Passa Canyons
Deep canyons formed by the M'Passa River in the sandstone plateau of Franceville.
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Biniomi Manganese Mine
A new manganese extraction site expanding capacities in the Moanda region.
Franceville Metallurgical Complex — Memorial of Omar Bongo (Gabon)
Franceville Metallurgical Complex
Industrial facilities for processing manganese ore into ferromanganese.
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Baniaka Mountains
A range of hills in southeastern Gabon known for its significant iron ore deposits.
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Batéké Highlands
The higher parts of the Batéké plateau, offering a barer but fascinating landscape.
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Mounana Uranium Mining Complex
A historic mining complex that was once one of the world's most important uranium suppliers.