“African Venice”: floating village of Ganvier in Benin

The largest floating village of Benin – Ganvier, also known as the “African Venice”, is a favorite place of visiting tourists.

The village of Ganvier is located on Lake Nokue near Koton, the largest city of Benin.

According to beliefs, the village was built by representatives of the people of Tofin in the 16th-XVII centuries, which moved to these lands in order to escape from slavery. The village was called Ganvier, which translates as “saved”.

Ganvier is called “African Venice”, since the village is built on the river and is rich in various historical, cultural and tourist attractions.