Konso Cultural Landscape
Location: Konso, Ethiopia
Year of Inscription: 2011
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(v) be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
Overview: The Konso Cultural Landscape is a remarkable example of a living cultural tradition that has been sustained over many centuries in southern Ethiopia. The Konso people have developed a unique agricultural and cultural system that is adapted to their mountainous environment, and their traditional way of life has remained remarkably intact despite outside influences.
Prominent Features: The Konso Cultural Landscape is home to a number of unique features that reflect the Konso people's traditional way of life, including:
Stone-walled terraces: The Konso people have developed an intricate system of stone-walled terraces that are used for agriculture on the steep mountain slopes. These terraces help to prevent soil erosion and allow for efficient use of water resources.
Stone statues and grave markers: The Konso people are known for their elaborate stone statues and grave markers, which are carved to represent their ancestors and serve as a symbol of their cultural identity.
Fortified settlements: The Konso people have traditionally lived in fortified settlements, which are surrounded by stone walls and feature unique architectural designs that reflect their cultural traditions.
History: The Konso people have lived in southern Ethiopia for centuries and have developed a unique way of life that is adapted to their mountainous environment. Their traditional agricultural and cultural system has remained remarkably intact despite outside influences, and they continue to practice their traditional way of life today.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the Konso Cultural Landscape and learn about the unique agricultural and cultural traditions of the Konso people. They can also visit local markets to see traditional crafts and goods, or go on guided hikes through the mountainous terrain.
Fun Fact: The Konso Cultural Landscape is one of the few places in the world where you can see a living cultural tradition that has been sustained over many centuries.
Entry Fees: There is no entrance fee for the Konso Cultural Landscape.
How to Reach It: The Konso Cultural Landscape is located approximately 600 kilometers south of Addis Ababa. Visitors can take a domestic flight to Arba Minch, which is located approximately 70 kilometers from Konso. From Arba Minch, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to Konso.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Konso that cater to visitors, ranging from budget to mid-range options. It is also possible to stay in nearby Arba Minch, which offers a wider range of accommodation options.
Next Stop: Lower Valley of the Omo
Year of Inscription: 2011
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(v) be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
Overview: The Konso Cultural Landscape is a remarkable example of a living cultural tradition that has been sustained over many centuries in southern Ethiopia. The Konso people have developed a unique agricultural and cultural system that is adapted to their mountainous environment, and their traditional way of life has remained remarkably intact despite outside influences.
Prominent Features: The Konso Cultural Landscape is home to a number of unique features that reflect the Konso people's traditional way of life, including:
Stone-walled terraces: The Konso people have developed an intricate system of stone-walled terraces that are used for agriculture on the steep mountain slopes. These terraces help to prevent soil erosion and allow for efficient use of water resources.
Stone statues and grave markers: The Konso people are known for their elaborate stone statues and grave markers, which are carved to represent their ancestors and serve as a symbol of their cultural identity.
Fortified settlements: The Konso people have traditionally lived in fortified settlements, which are surrounded by stone walls and feature unique architectural designs that reflect their cultural traditions.
History: The Konso people have lived in southern Ethiopia for centuries and have developed a unique way of life that is adapted to their mountainous environment. Their traditional agricultural and cultural system has remained remarkably intact despite outside influences, and they continue to practice their traditional way of life today.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the Konso Cultural Landscape and learn about the unique agricultural and cultural traditions of the Konso people. They can also visit local markets to see traditional crafts and goods, or go on guided hikes through the mountainous terrain.
Fun Fact: The Konso Cultural Landscape is one of the few places in the world where you can see a living cultural tradition that has been sustained over many centuries.
Entry Fees: There is no entrance fee for the Konso Cultural Landscape.
How to Reach It: The Konso Cultural Landscape is located approximately 600 kilometers south of Addis Ababa. Visitors can take a domestic flight to Arba Minch, which is located approximately 70 kilometers from Konso. From Arba Minch, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to Konso.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Konso that cater to visitors, ranging from budget to mid-range options. It is also possible to stay in nearby Arba Minch, which offers a wider range of accommodation options.
Next Stop: Lower Valley of the Omo