MUST SEE IN MAPUTO … FROM THE TRAIN STATION, PRAÇA DOS HERÓIS, MALANGATANA´S HOUSE AND STUDIO, FORT TO BAIRRO DA MAFALALA

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MUST SEE IN MAPUTO … FROM THE TRAIN STATION, PRAÇA DOS HERÓIS, MALANGATANA´S HOUSE AND STUDIO, FORT TO BAIRRO DA MAFALALA

11:14 CAT | 9 May 2016

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Train Station

Maputo’s landmark train station is one of the city’s most imposing buildings. The dome was designed by an associate of Alexandre Gustav Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), although Eiffel himself never set foot in Mozambique. Also impressive are the wrought-iron lattice work, pillars and verandas gracing the pistachio-green exterior. Inside (to the left, at the end of the platform, at ‘Sala de Espera’), is the Kulungwana Espaço Artístico , with a small exhibition of works by local and visiting artists, and sculptures and paintings for sale. A museum focusing on the history of Mozambique’s railways is due to open at the far end of the platforms.
Address Praça dos Trabalhadores

Praça dos Heróis Moçambicanos

The large Praça dos Heróis Moçambicanos, along Avenida Acordos de Lusaka near the airport, is notable for its 95m-long mural commemorating the revolution. The star-shaped white marble structure in its centre holds the remains of Mozambique’s revolutionary and post-independence heroes, including Eduardo Mondlane and Samora Machel, as well as those of national poet José Craveirinha. Photography is prohibited. The public is only permitted to visit (including walking across the praça) on 3 February.

House & Studio of Malangatana

It is occasionally possible to visit the house and studio of Malangatana, Mozambique’s most renowned painter. It’s filled with dozens of his own paintings as well as sculptures by Alberto Chissano. Bookings are best arranged through Kulungwana Espaço Artístico , at the train station. The house is located several kilometers outside the city centre; ask for directions when arranging the visit.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum, near Hotel Cardoso, is worth a stop simply to see its stately Manueline architecture and its garden with a mural by Malangatana. Inside are some taxidermy specimens accompanied by interactive computer terminals, a small ethnography exhibit and a fascinating display of what is probably the region’s only collection of elephant fetuses.

Address Praça Travessa de Zambezi

Admission Mtc50, Sun free

Fort

The old fort was built by the Portuguese in the mid-19th century near the site of an earlier fort. Inside is a garden and a small museum with remnants from the era of early Portuguese forays to the area. The sealed, carved wooden coffin of Ngungunhane – final ruler of the famed kingdom of Gaza – is on display in one of the side rooms.

Address Praça 25 de Junho

Opening hours 9am-5pm

Municipal Market

With its long rows of vendors, tables piled high with produce, fresh fish and colorful spices, and stalls overflowing with everything from brooms to plastic buckets, the Municipal Market is Maputo’s main market and well worth a stroll through. Get there early, when everything is still fresh, and before the crowds.

Address Avenida 25 de Setembro

Opening hours from about 8am

Núcleo de Arte

This long-standing artists’ cooperative has frequent exhibitions featuring the work of up-and-coming artists (some of which is for sale). There’s also a pottery area and a garden where you can talk with the artists and watch them at work (afternoons are best for this). Adjoining is a cafe.

Address 194 Rua da Argélia

Opening hours 10am-8pm

Mundo’s

Burritos, burgers, pizzas and other hearty fare are all served up in large portions on wooden tables set around a street-side veranda and cooled by a misting system in the summer months. There’s also all-day breakfast and a small play area for children.
Address cnr Avenidas Julius Nyerere & Eduardo Mondlane

Bairro Mafalala Walking Tour

A walking tour through Mafalala bairro focusing on the area’s rich historical and cultural roots, and including a stop at a local curandeiro (traditional healer) and a dance performance. The per person price varies depending on group size.

Price: 3hr tour per person 1000-1500 MT

www.iverca.org

+258 82 418 0314

Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/