Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
Location: Osogbo, Nigeria
Year of Inscription: 2005
Criteria:(ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a dense forest in southwestern Nigeria that is sacred to the Yoruba people. The grove is a living cultural tradition that has been preserved for centuries, and is home to numerous sculptures and artworks that have been created to honor the goddess Osun. The grove is also a site of pilgrimage and worship, and is believed to have healing powers.
Prominent Features: The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is home to numerous sculptures and artworks that have been created to honor the goddess Osun, including shrines, effigies, and carvings. Some of the most notable features of the grove include:
The Ataoja's Palace: A traditional palace located at the edge of the grove, which serves as the residence of the Ataoja (king) of Osogbo.
The Osun River: A river that runs through the grove and is believed to have healing powers.
The Osun-Osogbo Festival: A festival that takes place every August to celebrate the goddess Osun, and includes processions, music, dancing, and other cultural activities.
History: The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove has been a site of worship and pilgrimage for the Yoruba people for centuries. The grove is believed to have been created by Oduduwa, the founder of the Yoruba civilization, and is dedicated to the goddess Osun, who is associated with fertility, beauty, and the river. The grove has been preserved and maintained by the community through generations.
Fun Fact: The grove is also believed to be the residence of the goddess Osun, and is still used for religious ceremonies and festivals by local residents.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the grove and learn about the Yoruba culture and traditions, visit the shrines and sculptures dedicated to the goddess Osun, and participate in the Osun-Osogbo Festival if visiting in August.
Entry Fees: The fee for foreign visitors is 2,000 Naira (about 5 USD) per person,
How to Reach It: There are a few different options for public transport from Lagos to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove:
Bus: You can take a bus from Lagos to Osogbo, which is the nearest town to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove. There are several bus companies that operate this route, including ABC Transport, GUO Transport, and Young Shall Grow Motors. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic.
Shared taxi: You can also take a shared taxi from Lagos to Osogbo. These are usually faster than buses, as they make fewer stops along the way. However, they can be more expensive than buses.
Once you arrive in Osogbo, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, which is located on the outskirts of the town.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses located in Osogbo and the surrounding area, including the Heritage Hotel and Resorts, Hotel De Santos, and Prestige Hotel Osogbo.
Next Stop: Sukur Cultural Landscape
Year of Inscription: 2005
Criteria:(ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a dense forest in southwestern Nigeria that is sacred to the Yoruba people. The grove is a living cultural tradition that has been preserved for centuries, and is home to numerous sculptures and artworks that have been created to honor the goddess Osun. The grove is also a site of pilgrimage and worship, and is believed to have healing powers.
Prominent Features: The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is home to numerous sculptures and artworks that have been created to honor the goddess Osun, including shrines, effigies, and carvings. Some of the most notable features of the grove include:
The Ataoja's Palace: A traditional palace located at the edge of the grove, which serves as the residence of the Ataoja (king) of Osogbo.
The Osun River: A river that runs through the grove and is believed to have healing powers.
The Osun-Osogbo Festival: A festival that takes place every August to celebrate the goddess Osun, and includes processions, music, dancing, and other cultural activities.
History: The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove has been a site of worship and pilgrimage for the Yoruba people for centuries. The grove is believed to have been created by Oduduwa, the founder of the Yoruba civilization, and is dedicated to the goddess Osun, who is associated with fertility, beauty, and the river. The grove has been preserved and maintained by the community through generations.
Fun Fact: The grove is also believed to be the residence of the goddess Osun, and is still used for religious ceremonies and festivals by local residents.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the grove and learn about the Yoruba culture and traditions, visit the shrines and sculptures dedicated to the goddess Osun, and participate in the Osun-Osogbo Festival if visiting in August.
Entry Fees: The fee for foreign visitors is 2,000 Naira (about 5 USD) per person,
How to Reach It: There are a few different options for public transport from Lagos to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove:
Bus: You can take a bus from Lagos to Osogbo, which is the nearest town to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove. There are several bus companies that operate this route, including ABC Transport, GUO Transport, and Young Shall Grow Motors. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic.
Shared taxi: You can also take a shared taxi from Lagos to Osogbo. These are usually faster than buses, as they make fewer stops along the way. However, they can be more expensive than buses.
Once you arrive in Osogbo, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, which is located on the outskirts of the town.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses located in Osogbo and the surrounding area, including the Heritage Hotel and Resorts, Hotel De Santos, and Prestige Hotel Osogbo.
Next Stop: Sukur Cultural Landscape