Maputo: the most beautiful train station in the world
[tab:Travel]
La antigua Lourenço Marques, capital of the crown jewel of the Portuguese colonies in Africa, is a city that seems rooted in the name, that past. Nothing seems to have since moved. Sidewalks collect holes through which flows the time; the waters of the Indian seems to die in no sense nor forgotten sands of ocean or city; there are buildings that seem inert, who left their half-built skeleton from which 1975 the ratification of the emancipation of Portugal. That's Maputo, a layer of dust on a lively, open.
But the city has a striking historical legacy. A central route, can be done on foot or by tuk-tuks (taxis moto). We decided to walk from the Avenue 24 July, where is our hotel, and closer to the former Portuguese fortress: Our Lady of Conceisao. Built on an old fort built by Boers arrived from Cape Town, Lusos arrived back in the bay and decided to stay a place where abandoned semi up the strong current 1787 (Zulu pressure in this area made out of high risk in those years). Thus began a fierce struggle for control of the bay where the British are involved, beginning to colonize South Africa, the Boers, they see in Maputo an important port for his beloved Republic of Transvaal, and the Portuguese rulers of the earth. In fact, a pact between local tribes and prevents lusos British control of the area. But, triggered early battles between tribes and settlers Iberian Mozambique ended in some killings (there are several reliefs referred to now in strong). From the battlements of the old fort includes a food market and the square 25 June.
The iron is mixed with old watches, wooden benches and an old bar that is forced to stop and drink
From the fort we went to the most important monument in the city, train station. Before, stop to admire the works of the National Art Museum (strange mix of styles and concepts). A kilometer later stumbled upon railway premises which is considered by many guidebooks as one of the ten most beautiful in the world. It is no exaggeration, Maputo station is a precious jewel. It was the famous architect Gustav Eiffel who designed the building. The iron is mixed with old watches, wooden benches and an old bar that is forced to stop and drink (if you're lucky and go at night to listen to someone playing the piano). The station was designed in 1910, then it was no train between Maputo and Pretoria, and became an important event reflecting the economic importance of this colonial city.
It is the only work that Eiffel, who never set foot in Maputo, place in the city. The Casa do Ferro (Iron House) is also his work. Is at the center, next to the cathedral, and shows that the good Frenchman knew the area. He does it because the house, that was brought from France panel to panel, and is completely covered with iron, an oven became unusable. The sun beat on the metal inside the thermometer climb so high as the roof of his famous tower in Paris. Today is equipped with air conditioning and tourist office. It is as precious as absurd.
Finally, and highlighting rather than the outskirts of Maputo, Airport Road, you can see an abandoned bullring was built by the Portuguese (the plaza south of the planet) and now converted into a workshop area and drug, we went to the old botanical garden. The park is sticking with the Casa do Ferro. Perfect summary of the city. Forgot, abandoned, it is difficult to imagine the days when it was a great park; the times that Eiffel designed the city.
[tab:the way]
From Lisbon there are several direct flights. It is also an easy trip from Johannesburg. Many people know Maputo crosses after a safari in Kruger Park.
[tab:a nap]
This time will be given two negative recommendations. Advised not to sleep in hotels and Villa Villa das das Mangas Arabias. They are of the same chain and even look modern and acceptable, the quality is bad. Worth looking for other alternatives.
[tab:a table set]
Sagres Restaurant. Magnificent to savor a delicious local seafood. Sea Paste, the food is excellent. The grill for two of the best that this traveler has proved beyond Spain. Forced to go.
The Fish Market. A classic Maputo. You buy the seafood or fish and cook positions in the same market parriladas.
Taverna Restaurant: a Portuguese offer excellent food and excellent wine. The deli and meat spectacular.
[tab:highly recommended]
-Breakfast on the terraces of the cafes in the old Avd 24 July, walk the shoreline and have a beer in one of the hotels with Restaurant, enter local markets… Living a city with a fun energy postiva.
[tab:END]
Comments (3)
canfranero
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The most beautiful… Canfranc with permission from reopening and!
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MereGlass
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Many prosperous cities such as Maputo and Manaus had to watch helplessly as their years of glory faded to be forgotten in the middle of nowhere… I'm glad there is still some of that mirage, himnóticos times and somewhat absurd when some dreaming and all, at least, seemed easier. Xavier, thank you very much.
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Javier Brandoli
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Thank you MereGlass. The cities were covered with dust, gained in freedom and be awoken from a slap of reality that made them to be only dreaming that they would flee from all, Included themselves.
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