palace of the Asantehene

building, Kumasi, Ghana

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June 18, 2026

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The Palace of the Asantehene was the royal residence of the Asante king in Kumasi, Ghana. Founded in the 17th century by King Osei Tutu, Kumasi became the capital of the Asante empire. The palace was a vast complex, covering about five acres with numerous courtyards, verandas, and over 60 rooms. Its exterior walls were adorned with intricate raised clay patterns.123

The palace, along with much of Kumasi, was destroyed by the British in 1874 during the Asante wars. Despite this destruction, Kumasi remains the seat of the Asantehene, and the Golden Stool, a symbol of royal authority, is still housed there. The Asante Cultural Centre now supports a museum near the former palace site.13

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African architecture
Palaces and shrines
…the 19th century the earth-and-stone palace of the Asantehene (king) of the Asante empire at the capital city of Kumasi covered some five acres (two hectares). It had many courtyards with verandas and open screens and more than 60 rooms with steep thatched roofs. The exterior walls of the palace…
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…the 19th century the earth-and-stone palace of the Asantehene (king) of the Asante empire at the capital city of Kumasi covered some five acres (two hectares). It had many courtyards with verandas and open screens and more than 60 rooms with steep thatched roofs. The exterior walls of the palace…
Read More