FORTIFIED GATE OR "AKABA IDENAN

Called Akaba-Idenan (in Yoruba, akaba means "door"; idenan means "that blocks the way" or "the magic door"), this door marked the main entrance to the city, which was once protected by a deep moat, about 15 kilometers long. This site, surrounded by mysteries, deserves a short stop. The gate is actually a double gate. One opens on the outside of the city, it is the male door. The other one opens on the interior, it is the female door. This square building built around a central courtyard is the last architectural testimony of Benin showing how the Yoruba community protected its cities since the time of the first chieftaincies. It is said that the gate, protected by a powerful hermaphroditic fetish, prevented the penetration of enemy troops on several occasions, particularly during wars against the kingdom of Abomey. When the male door was removed during the capture of Kétou by Glélé in 1887, it is said to have returned from Abomey by itself... However, its function was not only defensive; the gate also allowed the local sovereign to collect taxes upon entering the city.

The central courtyard is lined with cells and it is also possible to eventually meet the king. If you end up talking to him, you will have to do it through an interpreter that you will find among his court.