Architectural reminders of the German colonial era in Togo

Since 1902, this neo-Gothic cathedral has adorned the market of Lome, which is now the capital of Togo. The colonial rulers at the time also built the bishop's residence next to it. Many of the buildings from the colonial period are still intact today, lending prestige to German architecture.

The Sacred Heart Cathedral was extensively renovated with help from Germany. To the delight of Togolese parishioners, glaziers from Nuremberg restored the stained-glass windows to their original state.

Situated between palm trees in a park off Lome's seafront promenade is the former governor's palace. The Germans built it between 1898 and 1905. The palace later served as a temporary seat of the Togolese government.

Today the palace is empty. The building has fallen into disrepair and the park is overgrown with weeds. Togo's government does not have the money for the upkeep, but soldiers guard the grounds closely to keep thieves out.

Not far from the German governor's palace is the former district office. After Togo's independence in 1960, an additional storey was added. It used to house a naval academy, but now the building is empty. Lome's taxi drivers and vendors use the rooms on the ground floor to take naps during lunchtime.

Lome's old jetty was formally opened in 1904. After work on the 350-meter (383-yard) pier was completed, ships were able to unload their cargo directly into the city. It was not until then that building materials such as cement and wood were imported in large amounts. Lome has had a modern port for a long time now, but many Togolese like to use the old steel construction for fishing.

Work stopped in this locomotive shed ages ago. The rest of Togo's approximately 300-kilometer (186- mile) railway network is also in need of repair. Trains only run on a few lines and most of them carry freight.

Architectural traces of the German colonial era can also be discovered beyond the capital. About 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the coast, in Kpalime, there is another neo-Gothic church. The architects of the period only built the churches in a historicizing style reminiscent of their home country. Other buildings were in a colonial style.

After 1890, this military and administrative field station in the Togo Mountains was used to protect important trade routes. Despite its partially collapsed roof, the building today houses several families.

There is a German cemetery just a few meters from the old outpost. A dented sign in the thicket points the way. Only those who have been to the cemetery before can find it.

Unlike their buildings, the German colonists did not get very old. Malaria and other diseases took their toll on the settlers. Judging by the inscriptions, none of those buried here lived beyond the age of 35.