Historic Town Of Grand-Bassam Facts: Things You Didn't Know Before

Did you know that the historic town of Grand-Bassam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

It's true! This charming town, located on the coast of Cote d'Ivoire, is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in all of Africa. There are many things to do and see in Grand-Bassam, so if you're planning a long vacation to this region, be sure to add it to your itinerary!

The majority of the town's notable colonial-period public buildings were built between the years 1894-1920, during the town's brief 'golden era.' After the French built a new dock in Abidjan in 1931, the town's influence waned, and a new commercial hub gained importance.

Discovery And History

Grand-Bassam was an important center of trade and commerce, and it soon became a popular destination for European travelers.

In 1842, France declared the Cote d'Ivoire area a protectorate, and construction began on some of the most impressive buildings in the town. The historic town of Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire's first colonial capital, is a colonial town constructed with districts specializing in commerce, administration, and housing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The property features a N'zima African fishing village as well as functional houses in the style of colonial architecture with plentiful dwellings, galleries, large open spaces, and gardens.

Grand-Bassam was Côte d'Ivoire's international hub, its commercial and judicial centre.

It is a testament to the complicated social interactions that existed between Europeans and Africans, as well as the eventual liberation effort. It drew people from all over Africa, Europe, and the Mediterranean Levant as a bustling center of French commercial operations in the Gulf of Guinea, which predated modern-day Côte d'Ivoire.

The Cultural Heritage Of The Historic Town Of Grand-Bassam

The ancient colonial buildings, as well as a neighboring African fishing community on a sandy peninsula separating a coastal lagoon from the Atlantic Ocean, are both parts of the World Heritage Site. The colonial settlement dates from the 1880s to the '50s, and its buildings are typical of French colonial architecture at the time.

It is a small area, but its layout follows the planning ideals of the time, with distinct administrative and commercial sections, as well as separate residential areas.

The French influence is still very evident in Grand-Bassam today. Many of the buildings in the old town are colonial-era structures, and there are also several churches dating back to that period.

One of the most famous attractions in Grand-Bassam is the Palais de la République, which was once used as a presidential palace. This imposing building is now home to a museum that showcases the history of Cote d'Ivoire. Grand-Bassam is also known for its lively markets.

The town's main market is located in Place du Marché, and it is open every day except Sunday. There you can find all sorts of unique souvenirs, including traditional African handicrafts.

Archaeological Excavations

The first settlers in the area were the Baoulé people, who arrived in the 16th century. Grand-Bassam, the first capital, was an important center of trade and commerce, and it soon became a popular destination for European travelers.

In 1842, France declared the Ivory Coast area a protectorate, and construction began on what became some of the most beautiful buildings in the town.

The property contains large ensembles of distinctive architectural structures. However, in many cases, the architectural integrity of the buildings has been jeopardized due to abandonment and neglect due to beach tourism. The sustainability of the urban landscape may be jeopardized as a result of the demand for beachfront property.

Facts About Notable Locals

Grand-Bassam was the original colonial capital in this area and the most significant port and economic center.

It embodies, on the one hand, town planning and colonial architecture based on the time's ideas of functional specialized quarters and hygiene and adapted to climatic conditions, and, on the other hand, an indigenous village N'zima that displays the importance of indigenous cultures.

The style of colonial architecture is distinguished by a simple and efficient design that incorporates sanitary principles which are appropriate for a tropical setting. This approach is echoed in the N'zima fishing village that has the organization of the vernacular dwelling, which expresses the stability of indigenous values.

The historic town of Grand-Bassam in the Ivory Coast is the old part of the city of Grand-Bassam. In 2012, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Grand-Bassam became a tranquil backwater, and many of its colonial public buildings have been inhabited by squatters and left to deteriorate in the years following independence.

A few of these structures have been repaired (particularly the Post Office and Town Hall), but "the architectural integrity of the buildings in the UNESCO World Heritage Site is under jeopardy in many cases due to abandonment and lack of upkeep."

FAQs

What country is Grand-Bassam in?

Grand-Bassam is located in Côte d'Ivoire (in the Ivory Coast), a West African country situated on the Gulf of Guinea.

What is Grand-Bassam known for?

Grand-Bassam was Côte d'Ivoire's first colonial capital, as well as the country's most important port, economic center, and legal center. It bears testimony to the country's complicated social interactions, as well as the popular drive for independence.

Where is Bassam Beach?

Bassam Beach is one of Africa's most beautiful beaches, located on the outskirts of Abidjan, the capital of Côte d'Ivoire.

When was Grand-Bassam founded?

The first settlers arrived in the area in the 16th century, but it wasn't until 1893 that Grand-Bassam was officially declared the capital by the French colonial authorities.

What is Grand-Bassam's most famous cuisine?

The traditional food of Côte d'Ivoire is Ivorian cuisine.

When was Grand-Bassam listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

In 2012, the historic town of Grand-Bassam in West Africa was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List.