Sights in Conakry
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Camp Boiro
Although over 20 years have passed since Sekou Touré's death, his legacy continues to influence Guinean life. Some knowledge of his era is important if you want to understand present-day Guinea.
A good place to start is Camp Boiro , in the centre of Conakry on Route de Donka. Called Garde Républicaine on some maps, this military base rapidly became synonymous with the worst atrocities carried out during Touré's 'reign of terror'. From 1960 until Touré's death in 1984, thousands of prisoners were tortured or killed at Camp Boiro, including many prominent figures. Every sector of society was affected, and most Guineans you meet can tell of a family member or friend who was…
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B
Palais des Nations
Intended to be the venue for the Organisation of African Unity conference in 1984, which was cancelled when Sekou Touré died, the grand Palais des Nations served as the president's office until being destroyed in the February 1996 army rebellion. It is still in ruins. Near the palace are 50 Moorish-style villas, built to house African presidents during the conference meeting and now used as residences and offices.
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C
Grande Mosquée
Financed primarily by Saudi Arabia and inaugurated in 1984, the impressive Grande Mosquée has an inner hall capable of accommodating 10,000 worshippers. Although visitors are not usually allowed inside, you can inquire at the Islamic Centre next door about arranging a tour. Sekou Touré's grave is in a small gazebo on the grounds.
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D
Oppo Atelier
Oppo Atelier is an association of welders that makes funky sculptures from scrap metal near the Palais du Peuple. You can watch the statues, large and small, being made and if you bring a picture they will do custom work.
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E
Musée National
Musée National is the country's largest collection of masks, statues and musical instruments. It's modest, but interesting. Woodcarvers and drum-makers ply their trades on the museum grounds.
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Cathédrale Sainte-Marie
Not as impressive as the mosque, Conakry's yellow and red Cathédrale Sainte-Marie is nevertheless a beautiful building. Behind the Cathedral is the Palais Présidentiel.
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Botanical Garden
Surrounding the Direction Nationale des Forêts et de la Faune, the Botanical Garden is the coolest place in the city, though not the cleanest.
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Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry
The two large and interesting mosaics at the Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry are worth a look.
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