Mbanza Kongo

M'banza-Kongo, formerly known as São Salvador, is the capital of Zaire Province in Northwestern Angola, on the border with the DRC. It was once the home of the Manikongo, ruler of the Bakongo kingdom which, at its peak, stretched from the Atlantic Ocean into the heart of Africa. The Jalankuwo, the ruler's judgement tree, can still be found in downtown M'banza-Kongo.

M'banza-Kongo is also known for the ruins of its 15th century cathedral which many Angolans claim to be the oldest church in sub-saharan Africa (Ethiopians would no doubt dispute that). The cathedral was one of Pope John Paul II's stops during his 1992 visit to Angola.