Lomé

Lome, the capital and largest city of Togo, serves as the nation's primary economic engine and its window to the world. Located on the Gulf of Guinea at the extreme southwestern tip of the country, it shares its western border with the Ghanaian town of Aflao. The city's history is a rich tapestry of indigenous heritage and European influence. Established by the Ewe people in the 1700s, Lome was selected by German colonizers as the capital of Togoland in 1897 due to its coastal advantages. Following World War I, the administration shifted to France, leaving a lasting legacy of French language, law, and urban design that persists today. Lome became the capital of an independent Togo in 1960 and has since grown into a bustling metropolis of over 1.5 million residents. The Port of Lome is the city's most significant asset; as West Africa's only natural deep-water port, it serves as a vital transit point for goods heading to landlocked neighbors like Burkina Faso and Niger. Economically, the city is also home to the headquarters of major regional banks and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development. Culturally, Lome is world-renowned for its Grand Marche, where the legendary 'Nana Benz' traders have historically controlled the textile market, particularly the Dutch wax prints. For those interested in traditional beliefs, the Akodessawa Fetish Market provides a fascinating look into the world of voodoo. The city's skyline features a mix of colonial-era landmarks, such as the neogothic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and modern structures like the Hotel du 2 Fevrier, one of the tallest buildings in West Africa. Despite the humid tropical climate and rapid urban expansion, Lome maintains an inviting atmosphere with its palm-lined beaches and bustling street life. It remains a key diplomatic hub, famously hosting the signing of the Lome Conventions, which defined trade relations between European and African nations for decades.

Nearby cities

Tsévié

Tsévié is a major center for palm oil processing, strategically located on the main road heading north.

Aného

Aného, the former capital of Togo, is picturesquely located between a lagoon and the sea.

Tabligbo

Tabligbo is the industrial backbone of the Maritime Region, defined by vast phosphate deposits and cement plants.

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Vogan

Vogan is famous for its large weekly market, drawing traders from across the entire region.

Kévé

Kévé is located near the Ghana border and is known for its fertile soils, primarily producing cassava and yams.

History & landmarks

Reconciliation Square

A significant public space in Lomé commemorating the efforts for national peace and overcoming historical conflicts.

National Unity Monument

This monument in Lomé symbolizes the cohesion of Togo's various ethnic groups and the common building of the nation.

Grand Mosque of Lomé

The capital's central mosque is a major religious landmark and a meeting point for Lomé's Muslim community.

Hôtel du 2 Février

This prominent high-rise is the tallest building in Togo and a symbol of the modern skyline of the capital, Lomé.

Théâtre de la Verdure

A prominent open-air theater in Lomé that serves as a center for cultural performances, music, and theatrical shows.

BCEAO Building

The headquarters of the Central Bank of West African States in Lomé is an imposing building embodying the financial stability of the region.

Municipal Stadium (Lomé)

This historic stadium in the heart of Lomé is a popular venue for local football matches and cultural events.

Old Lighthouse of Lomé

The old lighthouse of Lomé is a historic navigational monument that once guided ships into the harbor.

More places

BB Lomé Brewery

The Brasserie du Bénin (BB Lomé) is Togo's largest brewery and produces a variety of beverages.

National Museum of Togo

Housed in the Palais des Congrès in Lomé, the museum preserves the rich culture, art, and history of the Togolese people from prehistory …

Independence Monument

This imposing monument in the center of Lomé commemorates Togo's independence from France, achieved on April 27, 1960.

German Cemetery

A quiet historical site in Lomé where officials, traders, and soldiers from the German Togoland era are buried.

Sacré-Cœur Cathedral

Lomé's neo-Gothic cathedral was built during the German colonial period and is one of the country's most striking religious buildings.

Wharf of Lomé

The remains of the old piers (wharfs) in Lomé are silent witnesses to colonial trade history and engineering.

Governors' Palace

This magnificent palace in Lomé was the seat of the German colonial administration and later of the French governors.

NIOTO Oilseed Processing

NIOTO specializes in the processing of oilseeds, particularly cottonseed and shea nuts.