Cultural Building sights in Africa
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A
Old French Consulate
The Old French Consulate, not far south of the Arch of Marcus Aurelius, dates from 1630 and is arrayed around a two-storey tiled courtyard with delightful arches, coloured windows and woodwork. Note in particular the crescent and a Star of David carved into the wooden doors above the staircase. The former consular offices, also on the 1st floor, have been restored and are a study in colonial elegance.
The other rooms are given over to a library and an exhibition space for the Hassan al-Fageh House of Arts. If you ask the caretaker, he may let you climb to the roof from where there are good views.
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National Archives of Zimbabwe
Founded in 1935, the National Archives of Zimbabwe, off Borrowdale Rd, is the repository for the history of Rhodesia and modern Zimbabwe. It features fascinating colonial artefacts and photos, accounts of early explorers and settlers, and a display about the Second Chimurenga. Prints of excellent oil paintings of Victoria Falls, among other places, are sold at the entrance.
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B
Seffarine Square
Here's a delightful square to rest awhile under the plane tree and soak up the atmosphere of the medina. On one side lies the Kairaouine Library; on the other, the Seffarine Medersa, and all around are coppersmiths hammering their wares into shape: huge cauldrons, stills for making rosewater, kettles, pots and samovars.
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C
Mandala Manager's House
A nice way to spend an hour or two is a visit to the Mandala Manager's House. Set in pleasant gardens, this old colonial house was built in 1882, and is now home to a café (has excellent homemade cakes, salads and good coffee), the La Caverna Art Gallery and the Society of Malawi Library & Archive.
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D
National Library
Immediately east of the cathedral, the continuation of Sharia Mohammed Megharief leads to the domed National Library, which is very photogenic just before sunset. Built in the 1930s, it was the Royal Palace under the monarchy and the People's Palace immediately after the revolution.
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E
Kairaouine Library
This has always been a reference library, and valuable books such as those by Averroes and Ibn Khaldun have survived. The reading room was built in 1940 and the building is well restored.
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F
National Library
The National Library, once a barracks, was built in 1814 by Hamouda Bey to house Berber soldiers who'd been recruited after an Ottoman mutiny.
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