M'Banza Kongo

M’Banza Congo is a town in Angola located in the province of Zaire in the northwestern part of the country that was the capital of the Kilukeni dynasty of the past. It was founded sometime before the arrival of the Portuguese in 1483 and was the capital of the Kilukeni dynasty ruling at that time. The site was temporarily abandoned during civil wars in the 17th century. In the valley to the south runs the Luzi River. In 2017, Mbanza Kongo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

M'banza Kongo is known for the ruins of its 16th-century Cathedral of the Holy Saviour of Congo, which many Angolans claim is the oldest church in sub-Saharan Africa. The present-day church, called São Salvador, known locally as nkulumbimbi, is now said to have been built by angels overnight. It was elevated to the status of a cathedral in 1596. Pope John Paul II visited the site during his tour of Angola in 1992. Other important sites include the Jalankuwo, the Manikongo's judgment tree, which can still be found in the city's downtown area, along with the sunguilu. In this rectangular ground-level structure, local tradition says the king's body was washed before burial. Both are on the grounds of the royal palace and present-day Royal Museum.

Location: Zaire Province, Angola

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