There are many exceptional and breathtaking buildings in Africa, and I’m talking about buildings that are as beautiful as the ones found in Europe, United Kingdom, America, Asia and Australia. Do you think there is any building in Nigeria on this list, considering the fact that we are the giants of Africa? Find out which buildings made the top 10 list of beautiful buildings in Africa.
Africa is home to some beautiful buildings. The architecture of the continent is exceptionally diverse. In Africa, while on one side you will find castles, citadels, fortresses and mosques, on the other side you will find vibrant and retro-futuristic structures. These architectural beauties stand as symbols of hope and pride.
Here is a brief outline of some the most beautiful buildings in Africa. In actual these are the top 10 most beautiful buildings in Africa.
10. National Arts Theatre (Lagos, Nigeria)
The National Arts Theatre is the primary centre for the performing arts in Nigeria. The monument is located in Iganmu, Lagos state the former capital of the country. The National Arts Theatre was built during the military regime of Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo. Its exterior is shaped like a military hat. It has a 5,000-seater Main Hall with a collapsible stage, and two capacity cinema halls, all of which are equipped with facilities for simultaneous translation of 8 languages; among others.
Though this National monument looks old and rather neglected, the architectural design that is the hallmark of the building is second to none. From afar the National Theatre is a class act and a sight to behold. In fact the strategic location of the building makes it a breathtaking spectacle.
9. The Memorial to the Martyrs in Ouagadougou
The Memorial to the Martyrs in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, is located at the end of Moammar Gadhafi Boulevard. The structure was financed by the slain former Libyan leader.
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8. Congress Center of Cotonou (Cotonou, Benin)
Located in Benin, this two-story complex covers an area of 10,053 square meters. It is located on the Marina Boulevard. The center includes a large hall with 1,200 seats spread over two floors. It features a conference room with 300 seats and a multi-purpose hall with 300 seats.
7. Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Alexandria, Egypt)
Located in the Egyptian city of Alexandria, this building is a library and a cultural center. The library has shelf space for 8 million books. The main reading room covers 70,000 square meters, on 11 cascading levels. It stands beneath a 32-meter-high glass-paneled roof, tilted out towards the sea like a sundial.
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6. PSPF Commercial Towers (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
PSPF Commercial Twin Towers are located at the heart of Dar es Salaam, the largest and richest city in Tanzania. The structure is a modern luxurious mixed used residential and commercial building.
5. Ponte City Apartments (Johannesburg, South Africa)
This 54-story cylindrical skyscraper is located in the Hillbrow neighborhood of Johannesburg, South Africa. It is the tallest residential skyscraper (173 meters) in Africa. The sign on top of this massive structure is the largest sign in the southern hemisphere.
4. 1201 Ocean View (Cape Town, South Africa)
Ocean View is a 15-story skyscraper located in Cape Town, South Africa. It is in the fastest growing premier beachfront real estate region of the Western Cape. You can reach Ocean View from the center of Cape Town in just 25 minutes. It is a mere 15 minutes drive from Cape Town International Airport.
3. Nabemba Tower (Brazaville, Congo)
Also known as Elf Tower, this unique office skyscraper is located in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. It is the tallest building (106 meters, 30 floors) in the country and has the shape of a concave cylinder. The annual maintenance cost of the tower is £3 million.
2. 15 Alice Lane Towers (Johannesburg, South Africa)
This beautiful structure is located in Sandton, Johannesburg. The Alice Lane Towers are symbolic of South Africa’s progression in terms of exploring new architectural forms.
1. AU Conference Center and Office Complex
Located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this building is the headquarters of the African Union (AU). It is the tallest building (99.9 meters) in Addis Ababa. It cost $200 million to construct this building. The project was funded by the Chinese government.
