Palace of King Bell Travel Guide: Top Sights in Cameroon, Tours &

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Palace of King Bell- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Cameroon; 5 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 2 hours

The Palace of King Bell, also called La Pagode, is a historic building in Douala constructed in 1905 by the Germans for King Auguste Manga Ndumbe. Known for its unique architecture and historical significance, it briefly housed King Bell before his death in 1908. The palace later became the residence of his son, Rudolph Douala Manga Bell, until his execution in 1914 by German authorities. Owned by the Bell royal family, the building remains a cultural landmark, reflecting the legacy of the Bell dynasty and the colonial history of Douala. A sign by doual'Art added in 2006 provides historical context for visitors.

Operators offering tours in Cameroon

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Doual'Art

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Monument Nachtigal

Reviews of La Pagode

Thomas Meyer

3
Reviewed: 2022-10-22

Looks like it could have been a beautiful place in the past. Now in desperate need of some TLC. It doesn’t look like the restaurant is still open, and even if it were, I’m not sure I would go there based on the state of the building.
Louise Boumso

4
Reviewed: 2021-02-09

The pagoda is the former royal residence of the Bell dynasty. Built during the German occupation, it is located in the historic center of the city of DOUALA.
Dreamer

4
Reviewed: 2020-01-17

They make some repair around.
marius tchuisseu

5
Reviewed: 2019-05-01

One of the architectural jewels of Cameroon, extraordinary in both form (architecture) and substance (history). It is one of the buildings which bear witness to the colonial period of Cameroon, and still shows the traces of resistance of the national hero Douala Manga Bell. It's an extraordinary palace
Charlie Mondembom

5
Reviewed: 2019-01-11

The Palace of the Bell Kings, also called the PAGODA (Name given to it by the French writer Louis-Ferdinand Céline, who stayed in Cameroon in 1916-1917) is located in the heart of the Bonanjo administrative district, on the Joss plateau . It was the residence which housed the dynasty of the Bell kings. Built in 1905 for King Auguste Manga Ndumbe, 11th ruler of the Bell dynasty (1897-1908), his son Rudolf Dualla Manga, born in 1872, succeeded him in 1908 and lived in this building until his arrest in July 1914. Period during which Cameroon was under German protectorate. Today this sumptuous building which is still the pride of the city of Douala, due to its privileged geographical location, houses commerce and a place of relaxation. We can cite some of them, among others: - A cabaret snack bar called “Le Palais” - The contemporary art gallery “Doual’art” - A restaurant - Fast food - A dental office If the presence of the contemporary art gallery was appreciated by purists, it is not the same for the snack bar which, according to some locals, violates the sacred character and history of this monument.