Renaissance Palace Explained

The Renaissance Palace is the official residence of the President of the Central African Republic, located in the 1st arrondissement of Bangui, at the foot of Gbazabangui Hill and facing the PK zéro.

History

The original building with verandas was built in French Colonial style from 1917 to 1920 by Victor Henri Sisson.[1]

The palace was the residence of the Governor of Ubangi-Shari[2] until 1960, when the country gained independence from France and the palace became the seat of the President of the Republic.

The palace was reconstructed during the rule of Jean-Bédel Bokassa (1966–1979). During the final three years of Bokassa’s rule, the leader served as the Emperor of Central Africa and the Renaissance Palace served as the imperial palace.

Notes and References

  1. Thierry Bangui, Cahiers d'Outre-mer n°261, L’architecture coloniale du centre-ville de Bangui, janvier 2013
  2. Stephen Smith, Géraldine Faes, Bokassa Ier un empereur français, Calmann-Lévy, 29 mars 2000