Until 1976, the city was called Lourenço Marques. The name was derived from the Portuguese trader who first explored the region in 1544. The port city with a population of 1,122,000 as of 2021 is the capital of Mozambique. It is an Indian Ocean port with preserved Portuguese colonial architecture. Many turn-of-the-century buildings are in the downtown Baixa neighborhood.
Maputo is a vibrant capital city located on the southeastern coast of Africa. One of the most notable features of Maputo is its stunning architecture. The city showcases a mix of colonial-era buildings, modern skyscrapers, and traditional African designs. The iconic Maputo Central Train Station, built in the early 20th century, is a prime example of the city’s architectural beauty. Its unique blend of European and African styles is a testament to the city’s multicultural heritage