World by City

Castles & palaces

Palace of the Kings Bell

Open in Maps
Palace of the Kings Bell

Palace of the Kings Bell

Located in Douala, this building was constructed in 1905 by German colonists for King August Manga Ndoumbé. It serves as a historical site reflecting the colonial era and the local monarchy of the region. The structure is also known in literary circles as "La Pagode," a name used by the French author Louis-Ferdinand Céline in his writing.

Getting There

The palace is situated in the administrative district of Douala. From the city centre, it is accessible via taxi or ride-sharing services. The travel time typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes depending on local traffic conditions.

Visit Duration

Visitors should allow approximately 1 to 2 hours to explore the site and its historical context.

Planning Your Visit

The site is best visited during the dry season to avoid heavy tropical rains. It is advisable to visit during weekday mornings to avoid the peak activity of the surrounding business district.

Nearby Attractions

The palace is centrally located near several other points of interest, making it easy to combine with other stops:

  • Doual'art: 0 km
  • Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul: 0.6 km
  • Bonanjo: 1.3 km
  • Passerelle de Bessengué: 2.6 km

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

GetYourGuide GetYourGuide 클룩 Klook Tiqets Tiqets KKday KKday WeGoTrip WeGoTrip

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Palace of the Kings Bell

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Palace of the Kings Bell Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Douala hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

View on Compare sites 부킹닷컴 View on Booking.com 호텔스닷컴 View on Hotels.com

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

1 nights, 2 days

Douala 2-Day Itinerary (1 Nights)

A 2-day route through Douala grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Doual'art

Museums & galleries

Doual'art

A nonprofit arts organization founded in Douala in 1991, focused on new cultural movements in African cities. It hosts exhibitions that connect contemporary art with urban space.

0.0 km away
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Douala

Temples & religious sites

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Douala

This is Douala's leading Catholic cathedral in Cameroon, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. It offers a chance to admire fine religious architecture right in the city center.

0.6 km away
Bonanjo

Shopping & districts

Bonanjo

Bonanjo is a district forming the heart of downtown Douala, located on the eastern bank of the Wouri River. Its mix of administrative buildings and residential areas gives visitors a feel for the city's center.

1.3 km away
Passerelle de Bessengué

Views & landmarks

Passerelle de Bessengué

A wooden footbridge decorated in colorful designs depicting people of different ethnicities joining hands. It's a distinctive work first unveiled at the 2007 Douala Urban Art Festival.

2.6 km away
Bonabéri

Shopping & districts

Bonabéri

Bonabéri lies on the western bank of the Wouri River in Douala, facing the districts of Akwa, Deïdo, and Bonanjo across the water. Known for its markets and lively music scene, it offers a strong taste of local atmosphere.

4.0 km away
Wouri River

Nature

Wouri River

The Wouri River forms where the Nkam and Makombé rivers meet, then flows southeast through Douala into the Gulf of Guinea. It is navigable from its mouth well upstream, making it a vital waterway for the city.

4.7 km away