After several attempts, the French conquered the kingdom on 16 November 1892, prompting King Béhanzin to torch the city and flee northward. Thereafter the town declined in importance, a process hastened when the French built the new administrative centre of Bohicon immediately to the east. Today, the city is of less importance, but is still popular with tourists and as a centre for crafts. Since 1985, Abomey has maintained its complex of royal palaces as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After several attempts the French conquered the kingdom on 16 November 1892 prompting King Béhanzin to torch the city and flee northward Thereafter the town declined in importance a process hastened when the French built the new administrative centre of Bohicon immediately to the east Today the city is of less importance but is still popular with tourists and as a centre for crafts Since 1985 Abomey has maintained its complex of royal palaces as a UNESCO World Heritage Site