Overview:

is a national monument located in Angola. It is an open-air archaeological site claiming to be located at the same spot where Prince Henry the Navigator's first African trading post was built in 1483. The fort is situated 23 km north of Caxito on the Boya River. It is believed to have been built by the Portuguese in the 16th century as an important stronghold to protect the port of Caxito, which connected Angola to Portuguese-controlled Brazil. The fort is now listed as a National Monument by the Angolan Ministry of Culture. It is open to visitors, and there is a nominal entry fee for visitors. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

• 16th century Portuguese-built defensive fort constructed to protect the Kingdom of Congo. • One of the oldest fortresses in Angola and the oldest in the Cuanza Norte province. • Constructed of mud and clay as well as granite blocks to form a defensive wall 3 meters thick. • Artillery battery with seven cannons that were pointed towards the sea to prevent invaders from entering. • An octagonal shape with watch towers on five of the corners. • Ruins of several chapel and a mud-brick house alongside the fortress. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

Forte da Muxima is a fort located in the Bengo Province in Angola. It is situated on an island in the Kwanza River, on the border between Benguela Province and the former Portuguese colony of Angola. Built by the Portuguese in the 19th century, the fort was used to protect the Portuguese interests in the area. The history of Forte da Muxima dates back to the early 1800’s. During this time, the Portuguese were expanding their colonization of Angola and establishing trading posts in the Bengo region. The site was chosen due to its strategic location at the mouth of the Kwanza River. In 1839, the Portuguese fortification was completed and became known as Forte da Muxima. It was designed to protect the Portuguese trading post from attack, and became a crucial defensive stronghold for the region. In the 1860’s, the fort was abandoned by the Portuguese but was later reoccupied in 1964 by the forces of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). During this time, the MPLA used the fort as a base for their operations against the Portuguese forces. In 1974, following the independence of Angola, the fort became a national monument and a symbol of the Angolan struggle for independence. Today, the fort is still maintained and is open to the public, allowing for visitors to explore the site and witness its historical significance. In 2015, the Forte da Muxima was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of its important role in the struggle for Angolan independence. Today, the Forte da Muxima is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a unique insight into the history and culture of the region. It is also home to an annual festival which celebrates the Angolan independence struggle. Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Forte da Muxima (also known as Muxima Fortress) is a fort located in Bengo, Angola. 2. It was built in 1617 by the Portuguese at the time when they colonized Angola in the 16th century. 3. The fort played an important role in the history of Angola as it served as a defense against the Dutch colonization of Angola in the 17th century. 4. The fort was declared a National Monument of Angola in 1962. 5. The fort is made of brick walls and is surrounded by a dry moat. 6. The fort has a chapel and a museum which displays artifacts from the colonial period. 7. The fort is now used as a tourist attraction and offers guided tours to visitors. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era