- French West Africa 1935. Saint Louis.
Island of Saint-Louis (2000)
Senegal
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Founded as a French colonial settlement in the 17th century, Saint-Louis was
urbanised in the mid-19th century. It was the capital of Senegal from 1872 to
1957 and played an important cultural and economic role in the whole of West
Africa. The location of the town on an island at the mouth of the Senegal River,
its regular town plan, the system of quays, and the characteristic colonial
architecture give Saint-Louis its distinctive appearance and identity.
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In its justification for inscription the UNESCO states that the historic town of Saint-Louis exhibits an important exchange of values and influences on the development of education and culture, architecture, craftsmanship, and services in a large part of West Africa. The Island of Saint-Louis, a former capital of West Africa, is an outstanding example of a colonial city, characterized by its particular natural setting, and it illustrates the development of colonial government in this region.
Sources and links:
Other World Heritage Sites in Senegal (on this web site). Please refer to the UNESCO-listing, Senegal section, for further information on the individual properties.
Revised 20 jul 2006 |
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