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Maputo
Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, is located to the south of the country. Formerly known as Lourenco Marques, it evokes much of the atmosphere of its Portuguese colonial past with its wide streets lined with acacia and jacaranda trees. This Mozambican city has excellent hotels, restaurants, nightclubs – even a casino - and offers visitors the opportunity to view innumerable sights of historical, cultural and scenic beauty. The Cathedral, on Independence Square, is a particularly imposing sight as are the neo-classical City of Council Chambers nearby. |
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The gothic-style Museum of Natural History houses exhibits on many of the animal species in Mozambique while the Fortress, one of Maputo’s oldest buildings, is now a colonial history museum. Other interesting buildings in this city of Mozambique are The House of Iron, imported from the World Exhibition in Paris; the Railway Station; and the Yellow House, the seat of the first colonial government.
The Botanical Gardens; the Central Market, which offers a wide variety of handicrafts in addition to fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs; and the Fish Market may also be of interest. Inhaca Island, 34km out into Maputo Bay, is easily accessible by boat or light aircraft while the Maputo National Reserve lies 80 km to the south of the city. |
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Xai-Xai
The beach near Xai-Xai, north of Maputo in Gaza province, is a popular destination. The Limpopo river flows south of the Mozambican town. |
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Inhambane
Further north from the capital, in the province of the same name, is the city of Inhambane. This Mozambique city established as a Portuguese trading post in 1534 it is one of the oldest European settlements in Southern Africa. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception, with its fine clock tower, was built by the Portuguese about 200 years ago. |
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Beira
This city of Mozambique is the second major port, is located at the mouth of the Pungwe River in Sofala province. In the heart of the city is the square of Largo do MunincÌpio, surrounded by old colonial buildings, terraces, tea rooms and shops. The cathedral, erected in 1925, was built partly from stones from the 16th century Fort of Sofala, which has since been submerged under the sea. Other buildings of note are Casa Portugal, built in typical colonial style, and the magnificent Casa Infante de Sagres. |
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Quelimane
An important river port, located on the Rio dos Bons Sinais in Zambezia Province, Quelimane's landmarks include an austere Cathedral and an ornate, modern Mosque. Within reach are a number of hot-water springs and the tea plantations of the Gurue Mountains. |
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Nampula
Displays of typical Mozambican art are on show in the city museum of this provincial capital, while the Cathedral is a remarkable building with twin towers and a massive dome. |
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Pemba
One of the few cities of Mozambique not dominated by technology, thanks to little industrial activity, much of the natural beauty of this city, situated in a bay of the same name in Cabo Delgado Province, has been preserved. The Old Town contains several traditional markets where souvenirs include silverware. From Pemba, tourists can hire a boat to visit the lovely Ibo Island. |
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Lichinga
The gateway to Lake Niassa and the Niassa Game Reserve, the city of Lichinga, in Niassa Province, is home to more than 75,000 inhabitants. |
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Tete
Tete, the provincial capital of Mozambique, is one of the hottest parts of the country and where the impressive Tete Suspension Bridge crosses the Zambezi River. Baroma Church, about 30 km from the city, is a magnificent Jesuit Church built at the end of the 19th century. Some 150 km from Tete is the Cabora Bassa Dam, the second largest in Africa, which creates an enormous reservoir with a surface of 2,000 sq. km. |
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Chimoio
Chimoio, in Manica Province Mozambique, is an important commercial centre. A well- known feature of the city is Cabeca do Velho, a spectacular, natural stone formation resembling the face of an old man. West of Chimoio is the historic town of Manica, with its impressive Museum of Geology while about 36 km from Chimoio is the Chicamba Reál dam, its sheered off rock face forming a natural V- shape to house the dam. |
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