of Abomey. With the exception of King Akaba, who used a separate enclosure, they each had their palaces built within the same cob-wall area, in keeping with previous palaces as regards the use of space and materials. The royal palaces of Abomey are a unique reminder of this vanished kingdom. From 1993, 50 of the 56 bas-reliefs that formerly decorated the walls of King Glèlè (now termed the "Salle des Bijoux") have been located and replaced on the rebuilt structure. The bas-reliefs carry an iconographic program expressing the history and power of the Fon people. Threats As reported by UNESCO, on 21 January 2009 the Royal Palaces of Abomey suffered from a fire "which destroyed several buildings." The fire was the most recent disaster to have plagued the site, coming after a powerful tornado damaged the site in 1984. Demographics Gallery See also The city is twinned with Albi, France. References External links UNESCO assessment of threats to the site, after tornado damage in 1984. Historical Museum of Abomey Communes of Benin Arrondissements of Benin Populated places in the Zou Department Kingdom of Dahomey World Heritage Sites in Benin French West Africa Capitals of former nations