La Pagode: A Glimpse into Douala's Colonial Past

La Pagode, or the Palace of King Bell, is an architectural gem located in Douala's Bonanjo district. Constructed in 1905 by the Germans for King Auguste Manga Ndumbe, it showcases a unique blend of German and local architectural styles. The name 'La Pagode' was given to the palace by French writer Louis-Ferdinand Céline, who stayed in Douala in 1916-17 and described it in his novel 'Voyage au bout de la nuit' due to its resemblance to Asian temples.King Auguste Manga Ndumbe, who ascended to the throne in 1897, was a wealthy and influential figure. He established extensive cocoa and palm oil plantations and invested heavily in real estate in Bonanjo. La Pagode served as his residence until his death in 1908. His son, Rudolph Douala Manga Bell, inherited the palace and reigned until 1914 when he was arrested and executed by German authorities for opposing their land expropriation policies.Today, La Pagode remains an iconic symbol of Douala's history and cultural pride. Although it is no longer a residential building, it is still owned by the Bell royal family and has been occupied by various businesses since the 1920s. In 2006, doual'art, a contemporary art gallery, installed a sign designed by Sandrine Dole that presents a historical image of the building and a description of its history. While the site is currently closed to the public, its exterior continues to captivate visitors.