Historical Landmarks in Mozambique

Mozambique is not only a tropical paradise, but is also rich in history. Beautiful monuments from as far back as the 1500's with fascanating architecture still stand today to tell many interesting stories. Vasco da Gamma changed the face of Mozambique when he came ashore in Mozambique during his first voyage in 1498, where he eventually gained control over Mozambique so that he could ultimately colonize the country. Other natural features and huge man made projects make for an interesting site.

Below is a list of popular monuments and landmarks in Mozambique's towns from A-Z:

Beira is also known as "the ship graveyard":
Explore South of Beira's coastline which is littered with old rusted hulls of beached and washed up shipwrecks.

Macuti lighthouse:
Be sure to Visit the famous Macuti lighthouse on the popular beach of Macuti.

Historical landmarks from the 16th century (1501):
The Cathedral of Beira & Ruins of the Fort in Sofala:
A magnificent piece of architecture design ... had used stone from the ruins of a Fort in Sofala (Fort San Gaetano) to build the cathedral itself. Fort San Gaetano was erected right back in the early 16th centuary (1501) and apparantly it was the very first white man (European) built structure, in the whole of southern africa.

The Grande Hotel Beira:
At the mouth of Pungoe river, you will find the old delapelated, Grand Hotel. Built by the portugese ... the once fancy hotel was never really opened when colonial rulers gave Mozambiques its independance. Today, nature has taken over the building & animals & squatters now inhabit the place.

Cohora Bassa Dam Wall:

The Cahora Bassa Dam is the 2nd largest hidroelectrical dam in Africa! In the late 1960's Mozambican and South African governments made an agreement (joint project) that Cahora Bassa Dam would generate and provide electricity to South Africa - since South Africa has been supplying Mozambique & Southern country's of Africa with electricity.

Holding a capacity of fifty two thousand million (52 000 000 000) cubic metres of water - which is more than double the amount of water South Africa stores!!
All in all ... there are 5 generators at the dam wall, altogether producing a whoping 2.075 MW of power. The electricity is then transmitted through 7000, 40m high electrical towers, travelling 1400km, straight to Pretoria's Apollo substation.

“Face of the Old Man”:
About 4km North East of Chimoio is popular rock formation / side profile of an old mans face, called, Cabeça do Velho (“Face of the Old Man”) aproximately 500m long and 200m wide.

Chirrunduo Dam (Limpopo Dam Wall):
If you take a drive 26km North to Chirrunduo, you will cross a dam wall which goes over the famous Limpopo River. Visitors must be careful as their are hippo's that inhabit these waters. Farmers have built irrigation canals from off the Limpopo river which help irrigate their crops.

Mount Namuli:
Gurue is located at the base of Mount Namuli which is Mozambique's 2nd highest mountain - 2419m above sea level. Visitors can hike up this mountain. you will have to get permission from chief of a local tribe who considers the great mountain, sacred! Usually a donation such as rice, flour or Sorghum will do the trick and the chief will give you permission. one of the tribe members will most likely join & guide you up the mountain.

Namuli rewards you with stunning scenery and bird lovers will also enjoy the exceptional birdlife Namuli inhabits!

Frelimo Monument:
You will notice an interesting monument in Gurue called the Frelimo Monument.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Conception in Inhambane:
This Cathedral was built by the portugese around 170 - 200 years ago and if you climb the Cathedrals ladder, there are some fabulous 360 degree views of the historic town and Inhambanes port.

The Governors Palace / House in Inhambane:
You can find the house on the water front.

The Railway Station in Inhambane:
Take a visit to the old Railway Station ... here you will find lots of interesting old steam trains that arn't in use anymore, trains wheels and parts scattered everywhere - as well as working clanking away at scrap metal.

The Old Mosque in Inhambane:
Just around the corner from the Old Railway station is the Old Mosque that was built back in 1840.

Inhambane's Harbour & Dhows in Inhambane::
Take a walk on the harbours pier and enjoy the breeze and view of Maxixe - right across the other side of the bay as local fishermen on their dhows silently sail by to do a hard days work of fishing. In fact if you would like to sail around in a Dhow ... you can hire a dhow for a small fee to take you on a little tour around the bay or up by the Linga Linga Nature Reserve.
At low tide ... you will see a lot of the boats resting / stranded on sandbanks whereas when its high tide ... the boats are floating again. Even a shipwreck is present in Inhambane's harbour.

The Inhambane Museum in Inhambane:
Rich in history ...Here you can find all on display: interesting artifacts found in Mozambique, agricultural tools and instruments, photo's plus much more!

Inhambane is a great place either stop over and take a break from a long journey or to stay over a few nights and learn about some of Mozambique's rich history.

La Mosquée d'Inharrime:
There is a mosque with beautiful architecture in Inharrime.

Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte:
The very famous Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte - just outside the Fort of Sao Sebastiao is situated on the North-Eastern tip of the island. Ask the tour guide to take you through the big fort and back door to the Chapel that and Vasco da Gamma also built. Vasco de Gamma destined to protect his island from been attacked and before he ventured to India, he built the first artillary bastion. The fort (bastian) is an imppressive site - Huge strong walls dominate the North Eastern section of the island and there are a noticable amount of cannons strategically placed high up on th walls.

The Portugese used to use the Island as a trading post on the way to and from India. Whereas, way before Vasco da Gama discovered the beautiful island in 1498, the port was inhabited by Arabs who also used the port to build boats.

Further West and along the coastline from the Fort of Sao Sebastiao, you will end up stopping to see another one of the Islands main attractions, The Governor's Palace.

The Governor's Place:
With a tall beautiful clock tower, the Governor's Palace is a red and white building (modern looking) that was built back in the 17th centuary. Today the fasanating building Hosts as a museum for tourists who want to explore the still furnished & untouched rooms, as they were, hundreds of years ago!
The building has 2 floors - the bottom been a Maritime Museum which exhibits the many actual boats that frequented the Island back in the colonial days.
The top floor exhibits and displays ecquisite carpets, beautiful antique furniture from India & Goa, chinese porcelain, paintings and so much more.

A rich history is uncovered right before your own eyes and you can only walk around the Palace with a tour guide, who will show and explain everything there is to know about the Old Palace. (The tour is free although a tip is expected).

Explore the rich History in the island of Mozambique:
As you walk along the towns quiet gravel roads between each and every historic site on the island, you will soon relise the amount of History that surrounds you. Old buildings, picturesque road lanes shaded by pavement trees, old faded signs, gives such a surreal feel and will get you stopping every so often to take a few snapshots. You will come across a numerous amount of ancient mosques and churches that were built by the Arabs and colonial portugese hundreds of years ago.

The Church of Miseriacorda dates back to 1535 and today is a "Museum of Sacred Art". The old church exhibits and displays amazing statues of the Queen of Portugal and Santa Isabel, carvings, paintings and religious ornaments.

More Historical sites and landmarks in Island of Mozambique:

• Mosque and Sea Food Market
  
• Entry of the Hindu Temple
  
• The statue of Luiz de Camoes
  
• Entry gate of the Capetania
  
• Grave statue of a navigator
  
• Capetania and old port
  
• The Statue of Luiz de Camoes
  
• Tribunal, Old Hospital
  
• Church of Health
  
• Cemetary
  
• Cinema and Theatre

Visit the ruins of the old Magaruque Hotel:
Connecting to the airstrip on the South West end of Magaruque Island, is a dilapidated hotel.

19th centuary fort:
On the island, you can do a little bit of exploring and hike up to ruins of a 19th centuary fort.

Pine Forest and Manica Mountain:
Mountains and beautiful tall pine forests surround Manica - A picturesque but unusual scenerio for Mozambique.

Maputo Catholic Cathedral in Maputo:
Opened Daily, except saterdays on 24 de Julho. This Museum tells a very interesting story about both the struggle against Portugese Colonialism, and the disastrious civil war that ended in the early 1990's.

The Central Railway Station in Maputo:
Marble pillars, wrought iron work, great attention to detail and a massive central dome... Sounds like a palace doesn't it? Well its the old Central Railway Station. Eiffel, once again, built another marvelous piece of architecture! Go and witness another one of Eiffels successful stories!

City Hall in Maputo:
This magnificent colonial / gothic looking building is now an interactive (sound effects & displays) Museum of Natural History. The museum shows interesting historical facts, insects, fossils, wildlife and a few bizarre things to keep you captivated.

The Museum of the Revolution in Maputo:
Opened Daily, except saterdays on 24 de Julho. This Museum tells a very interesting story about both the struggle against Portugese Colonialism, and the disastrious civil war that ended in the early 1990's.

The Art Museum in Maputo:
A Museum that shows some incredible Mozambique sculptures & paintings.

Jardim Tunduru in Maputo:
Behind the tall statue of Samora Machel, is a peaceful beautifully layed out botanical garden.
This garden was first laid out by Thomas Honney - a well known Englishman back in 1885. Thomas Has also known to have designed a few other famous gardens around the world.

The Iron House in Maputo:
Close by the Jardim Tunduru, this house is exactly what it is - Steel!
Eiffel designed this steel bolted building to be a governor'house. What Gustave failed to relise, was that this was by far, the worst type of house to build in Mozambiques very hot and humid climate. Enough been said, the house was never inhabited by the Governor. It is now the office of the Museums Department.

Xefina Island - an Island used as a jail in the Colonial days:
You can also take a boat ride to the Xefina island (off the coastline of Costa do Sol in Maputo). Even though you can cross the shallow waters to this island ONLY during low tide... it is still too risky as you can never be too sure how fast the tide will come in etc, etc. So its best to be safe and take a boat to Xefina. Long ago, the Portugese used the island as a prison and this served to be a good idea as there was no guards needed as the shark infested waters did the deed.

Discover a fascinating History:

Go catch a boat and venture further South, to Ibo Island (also referred to as 'Ilha do Ibo'). A rich history fulfills this island, where Pirates, slaves, ivory, silver (treasure) and colonialism used to co-exist. In actual fact, the Islands intrigueing history and colonial architecture that still exists, makes Ibo Island's Zoned for World Heritage Status! 3 Bastians (Forts) were built back in the colonial days in the 15th cenuary to protect the island from attackers. Lots of cannons still line the forts tall walls.
For the last 500 years Ibo Island proved to be a prosperous and important trading post for the East coast of Mozambique and Africa. Today, the Island is still not commercialised, which is great if it want to keep its unique status. Accommodation is also available on the Island.

Other interesting historical building include, the Cathlic church, cemetery and numerous other ancient administration buildings. A wonderful experience almost sending you back in time to the days when vasco da Gamma docked his ships!

Rio (River) Licungo :

In Mocuba, there is a 300m bridge that goes over the magnificent Rio Licungo.

Rio Ligonha Mountain :
Great views of Ligonha Mountain can be seen from Mocuba.

Mount Mabu :
70km North West of Mocuba, you may see Mount Mabu, especially if you are heading to / from Milange Malawi Border post, you will have a great view of the mountains, including Mt Mabu.

Mocuba City Hall / Cathedral:
A beautiful piece of architecture in Mocuba.

Montepuez Chapel:
A small Chapel exists in Montepuez.

Mount Curripo - Montepuez:
Montepuez is located at the base of Mount Curripo, which is 700 meters above sea level. Beautiful views of Montepuez and the surrounding landscape can be admired from on top of he mountain.

Nacala Port & Harbour:
Nacala boasts the 2nd deepest port in the world! As deep as 200m!!
Enjoy Amazing bay views down at the quiet harbour as the local sail around in their traditional made dhows.

Nacala Cathedral:
The Nacala Cathedral is a cute church surrounded by lovely greenery & tall palm trees.

Nampula Cathedral de Nosa Senhora da Conceicao:
A popular attraction in Nampula is the large Cathedral that poses beautiful architecture.

Nampula Iselberg Mountains:
Fascanating volcanic rock formation create Iselberg Mountains which can easily be seen in the distance from Nampula. The road from Nampula to Nacala follow along the base of these beautiful mountains.

Nacole Baobab:
Located inside the bay of Pemba. an eco-friendly nature estate with 3 types of mangrove estuaries, bird watching, a secluded sunset beach fire with savanna bush. You can walk inside 9m2 hollow ancient Nacole Baobab amongst 40 existing Baobab trees and see Large Split Face bats hanging above. During the war this tree served as a hiding place for refugees.

Slave Trade Fort at Ponta Romero Lighthouse:
It is an open plan historical monument where slaves were auctioned off, and is also a look out point for incoming ships.

Paquitequete – 1km after Ponta Romero Light house:
This old traditional fishing village will take you back in time. You can witness the, traditional trading, lifestyle, building and repairing of the ancient Dhows, which are still active today. Be careful where you step!

Old Pomene Hotel Ruins:
Ruins of the once vibrant and popular Pomene Hotel still remain in Ponta False.

Coconut Plantation:
Quelimane has one of the largest coconut plantations in the world, which is a 20 minute drive to a beach, East of Quelimane!

Quelimane Cathlic Church and old waterfront Church:
Both churches with great Architecture. Definitely worth a look!

Discover & explore over 30 Islands:

The Quirimba Archipelago Islands consist of 32 exotic islands that feature historical landmarks and ruins from the colonial days and mid 1900's, inland tropical lakes, Coral Reefs & Caves, beautiful sea shells, luxury accommodation and much more!!

Names of some of the islands in order from South to North:

• Quisiva Island (Ilha Quisiva)
  
• Quilalea Island (Ilha Quilalea)
  
• Mefunvo Island (Ilha Mefunvo)
  
• Island of Quirimba (Ilha de Quirimba)
  
• Ibo Island (Ilha do Ibo)
  
• Matemo Island (Ilha matemo)
  
• Island of Rolas (Ilha das Rolas)
  
• Tambuzi Island (Ilha Tambuzi)
  
• Medjumbe Island (Ilha Medjumbe)
  
• Tambuzi Island (Ilha Tambuzi)
  
• Metundo Island (Ilha Metundo)
  
• Quifuqui Island (Ilha Quifuqui)
  
• Vamizi Island (Ilha Vamizi)
  
• Queramimbi Island (Ilha Queramimbi)
  
• Rongui Island (Ilha Rongui)
• Tecomaji Island (Ilha Tecomaji)

Explore the beautiful Island:
Boat trips can be taken to the Santa Carolina Island which was once a very popular holiday destination for the rich and famous. Bob Dylan has said to have played on a piano in the retro Hotel built by Jochim Alves in the 1960's. Plans of re-building the popular Hotel is currently under development and should be open for visitors and guests in 2012.

Tete's Suspsension Bridge:
The suspension bridge is the most noticeable structure in the Tete city and actually looks a lot like the smaller version of the suspension bridge in San Fransisco. The Bridge crosses the famous Zambezi River.

Indigenous Baobab trees near Tete:
Near Tete is an area where there is a dense amount of indigenous Baobab trees. The Baobab trees are big and tall and have some really strange shapes making them quite unique.

Scuba Diving off Zavora Beach (Shipwreck):
Enjoy an exciting adventure below water and explore The Klipfontein ship wreck boasting a whopping 160 meters in length and now teems with rich marine life and beautiful coral! - An activity not to be missed! In 1953, The Klipfontein ship wrecked off the coast of Mozambique after hitting a reef off Zavora beach. The Ship was built in netherlands (1939) and voyaged as a Pacific Trooper and other navy services before submerging as a hot diving destination in Zavora!
Diving certificates are necessary to take part in this dive but IANTD course are available.
Speak to Roy at Moz Divers on 002588 2703 0750 (Moz no) or 0027 823 606009 (SA no).

Zavora Lighthouse:
Standing 53 feet tall (16m), the lighthouse was built in 1910 and is one of the few remaining lighthouses in Mozambique. The lighthouse still works today and was an important point on the coastline for Southern and Northern shores of Mozambique.