The Iron House gives meaning to its name. It is obviously an iron building, a relic of metal and history. It is located in the city of Maputo and is undoubtedly a unique monument capable of evoking emotions and curiosity.
Also known as the "Zinc House," the structure was designed by one of the greatest names in the history of world architecture, the french engineer Gustave Eiffel, the same person responsible for the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, one of the most visited tourist spots in France.
According to history, it was originally designed to serve as the residence of the Governor-General of Mozambique during the colonial era, when the country was just another overseas province of Portugal. In this sense, when it was conceived, the idea was simple and fantastic, as it aimed to build a house resistant to the tropical climate, which is why iron was used as a way to avoid degradation caused by rain and insects.
The building was assembled in 1892. Soon after its completion, it became evident that living in the Iron House was impractical due to high internal temperatures. The metallic structure, instead of insulating the heat, absorbed and intensified it, making life inside the house unbearable.
The Iron House was never used as the governor's residence and ended up serving other purposes over the years, including as an office and museum. Today, it is one of the main historical and cultural symbols of Maputo, a testament to the colonial era, and an example of the peculiarities of 19th-century architecture.
Talking about this structure is also addressing the chapter of international diplomacy, as it is a prefabricated building imported from Belgium to Mozambique. It can be assembled and disassembled, and although it is currently located on Samora Machel Avenue, it was initially installed on Josina Machel Avenue.
(By Lucas Muaga)
