Brazzaville: the two capitals divided by the Congo River

Unique in the world to face another national capital across a river, Brazzaville observes Kinshasa from the other side of the Congo River.

The center, separated from Kinshasa only by the waters of the Congo River, is comfortably explored on foot along the waterfront.

The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, built by French colonials, remains one of Congo's capital's most imposing religious buildings.

Steps away, the Mausoleum of Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, the French founder of the city, houses the remains of the explorer who gave the capital its name.

Along the river, you observe Kinshasa, the capital of neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo, clearly visible from the opposite bank of the Congo River.

Toward evening, Poto-Poto market, the city's historic district, animates the trade in fabrics and traditional Congolese handicrafts along streets bustling until late.

Brazzaville and Kinshasa remain the only two national capitals in the world situated directly facing each other on opposite river banks, separated by just a few kilometres of water.

Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, an Italian explorer who became a French citizen, founded the city in 1880 using diplomatic methods with local rulers, distinguishing himself from the violent conquests pursued elsewhere in the region by his Belgian rival Stanley.