The building
This was the first modern constructed royal court of the Kingdom of Rwanda, used during the reigns of King Mutara III Rudahigwa and King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa. Nyanza was the capital of the kingdom, and this was its administrative heart — the working court, as distinct from the residential palace up the hill.
After the monarchy ended it was passed between government departments for decades and steadily lost its character. The restoration has been aimed at recovering the building's historical fabric while giving it a purpose that keeps it open and used.
What it is now
It functions as Nyanza's tourist information centre: guided tours of the building itself, interactive exhibits and cultural performances, plus the practical function of being where visitors get oriented. This is where you hire a guide, pick up hiking equipment and rent bikes and cycling gear for the Gatagara Trail.
Location
Town centre, opposite the Heritage Hotel and next to the Banque Populaire branch — which makes it the most convenient orientation point in Nyanza. Both the Royal Trail and the Big View Trail start from here.
Where it fits
Make it your first stop in Nyanza, before anything else. Half an hour inside the building, and you leave with a guide, a map and a plan.