Overview:

and History:The Palácio de Ferro (Iron Palace) in Luanda, Angola is a spectacular building, with a unique blend of European and Angolan architectural styles. It was constructed in 1910 and is the only remaining example of iron construction in the country. It was originally built as the residence of Bernardino Eugénio de Andrade, a wealthy Angolan businessman. Today, the building is a museum and one of the most impressive landmarks in the city.The Palácio de Ferro in Angola is an impressive structure built in 1910 by the architect Vital Norré and the engineering firm E Seabra and Co. This construction was a unique mixture between the then European style of wrought-iron construction and local approaches - this is why the name “Iron Palace” was given to the building. The inside of the palace has some of its initial feature still intact, such as the lavish furniture, some of which dates back to the initial construction. The outside of the building also shows signs of the original construction, with intricate ironwork details and intricate stonework.The Palácio de Ferro is a great example of the cultural mix that underwent in Luanda at the end of 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. It represents in a vivid way the influence of Portuguese architecture and engineering in the Angolan context. Today, the building has become a museum and an important landmark in the city of Luanda. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

1. The Iron Palace, located in the Plateau district of Luanda, is the official residence and office of the President of Angola. 2. The structure is known for its towering iron facade and combination of traditional, colonial, and contemporary architectural elements. 3. The Iron Palace encompasses 12 floors and an area of 15,000 square meters. 4. It was built in the early 20th century as a train station but converted for presidential use in 2000. 5. The palace features an ornate ceiling and chandeliers in the main hall, and a 300-seat international conference hall. 6. The Iron Palace also boasts a chapel, a library, two heliports, and several terraces and gardens. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

The Palácio de Ferro (Iron Palace) is a nineteenth-century architectural legacy in the city of Luanda, Angola. It is an iconic museum of the African city situated on the Atlantic coast. It started its function in 1896 and it is situated close to the Governor's Palace which was integrated into the new construction. The Iron Palace was planned by the French architect Henri Disdier and his brother-in-law from France, Charles Paulet. They decided to build the palace with materials brought from Europe, which were transported to Angola by the Portuguese Royal Navy. It was constructed as a symbol of colonial power with bases and frames built in metal and cast iron that landed from France several months before its inauguration. The palace was for a long time the headquarters of the Portuguese Trading House of the Indies (Casa da India), which worked until 1979 and was responsible for the management of the State monopolies worldwide. Among its main activities, the company developed the import and export of various goods, such as slaves, cocoa, coffee, but also organized the slave trade in the African colonies. During the civil war in Angola from 1975-2002, the Iron Palace was heavily damaged and in the 1990s state intervention was necessary to restore it to its original condition. The restoration, which was funded by the Government of Angola, began in 1999 and lasted until 2001. In 2004, the Palácio de Ferro opened its doors as a new national museum. The museum exhibits a significant number of artifacts from the African culture as well as several pieces representing its colonial past. Today, the Palace is one of the most important and visited centers for research, reflection, and recreation in the city of Luanda. It is a space of great symbolic and emotional value for the people of Angola. Sources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pal%C3%A1cio_de_Ferro https://theculturetrip.com/africa/angola/articles/all-you-need-to-know-about-luanda-s-iron-palace/ https://albarigas.net/en/the-iron-palace-of-luanda/ https://www.angolano.com/luanda/index.php?page=palacio-de-ferro Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Iron Palace was built between 1876 and 1880 by order of King Peter II of Portugal, with the intention of transferring the residence of the Portuguese governor of the colony of Angola from Moçâmedes (now Namibe) to Luanda. 2. The Iron Palace is one of the earliest examples of prefabricated mechanical construction in the world. The building is made up of 850 cast iron parts which were cast in Lisbon, Portugal and then shipped to Luanda in crates. 3. The Iron Palace is a unique architectural monument in Angola and, due to its historical significance, it was declared a National Monument of Angola in 2004. 4. In 2006, the Iron Palace underwent extensive renovation and refurbishment and it is currently a museum showcasing the history of Angola. 5. The balcony of the Iron Palace offers visitors a stunning view of the city of Luanda and the Bay of Luanda. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era