A seafront capital on the Gabon estuary
Libreville lies on the estuary of the Komo River, with the Boulevard du Bord de Mer running along the waterfront. The Saint Michael's Church in Nkembo is known for its carved wooden columns, and the craft village sells masks and soapstone carvings. Mont-Bouët market is the city's commercial heart. Across the estuary, Pongara National Park has beaches where leatherback turtles nest, and the Arboretum de Raponda Walker protects coastal forest near the city.