Introduction
Mozambique's capital, Maputo, provides plenty of attractions and distractions for travellers. Bustling markets, street-side cafes and avenues lined with flame trees make this one of East Africa's most absorbing port cities. Maputo is known for its lively nightlife, from jazz bars to dance halls playing Afro-Latino tunes, and plenty of interesting cultural sights to take in during the daytime.
Maputo was known as Lourenço Marques before independence, named after the 16th century Portuguese navigator. The remains of the fortress of Nossa Senhora De Conceiao are a reminder of the Portuguese era. Another Maputo landmark is the Casa Do Ferro - the ‘Iron House' - designed by Gustave Eiffel as a residence for the city governor, but never used as the iron walls were too hot. The Natural History Museum, housed in a restored colonial building and full of cultural and anthropological exhibitions, is another way to spend your time in Maputo.
