Ruins of Loropéni
Location: Loropéni, Burkina Faso
Year of Inscription: 2009
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; (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history;
Overview: The Ruins of Loropéni is an archaeological site located in the southern part of Burkina Faso, near the border with Cote d'Ivoire. The site is home to the ruins of an ancient stone-walled settlement that is believed to have been inhabited between the 11th and 15th centuries. The ruins of Loropéni are considered to be an outstanding example of a type of fortified settlement that was once common throughout West Africa.
Prominent Features: The ruins of Loropéni consist of several stone walls and terraces that were used to fortify the settlement against invasion. The walls are made of rough-hewn stone blocks and are up to six meters high in some places. Visitors to the site can explore the ruins and get a sense of what life was like in the settlement during its heyday.
History: The exact origins of the settlement at Loropéni are not known, but it is believed to have been established around the 11th century by the Lohron or Koulango people. The site was an important center of trade and commerce, as it was located along a major trade route that connected West Africa with the Mediterranean world. The ruins of Loropéni are believed to have been abandoned in the 15th century, possibly due to changes in trade patterns or to invasion by neighboring peoples.
Family-Friendly Activities: While the ruins of Loropéni are not specifically geared towards children, families can still enjoy exploring the site and learning about the history of the region. The nearby town of Loropéni is home to a market where visitors can purchase locally made crafts and other souvenirs.
Fun Fact: The ruins of Loropéni were discovered by chance in the 1930s by a group of hunters who stumbled upon the site while tracking game.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Ruins of Loropéni is 5000 CFA francs (approximately 9 USD) per person.
How to Reach it: The Ruins of Loropéni are located in southern Burkina Faso, near the border with Cote d'Ivoire. The nearest major city is Banfora, which is approximately 100 kilometers from the site. Visitors can reach Banfora by bus or taxi from major cities such as Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso, and then hire a taxi or take a local minibus to reach the site.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in the nearby town of Loropéni, including guesthouses and small hotels. Visitors can also choose to stay in Banfora, which has a wider range of accommodation options. Some popular options include the Hotel La Falaise, the Hotel La Guinguette, and the Hotel Le Remblai.
Next Stop: Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso
Year of Inscription: 2009
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; (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history;
Overview: The Ruins of Loropéni is an archaeological site located in the southern part of Burkina Faso, near the border with Cote d'Ivoire. The site is home to the ruins of an ancient stone-walled settlement that is believed to have been inhabited between the 11th and 15th centuries. The ruins of Loropéni are considered to be an outstanding example of a type of fortified settlement that was once common throughout West Africa.
Prominent Features: The ruins of Loropéni consist of several stone walls and terraces that were used to fortify the settlement against invasion. The walls are made of rough-hewn stone blocks and are up to six meters high in some places. Visitors to the site can explore the ruins and get a sense of what life was like in the settlement during its heyday.
History: The exact origins of the settlement at Loropéni are not known, but it is believed to have been established around the 11th century by the Lohron or Koulango people. The site was an important center of trade and commerce, as it was located along a major trade route that connected West Africa with the Mediterranean world. The ruins of Loropéni are believed to have been abandoned in the 15th century, possibly due to changes in trade patterns or to invasion by neighboring peoples.
Family-Friendly Activities: While the ruins of Loropéni are not specifically geared towards children, families can still enjoy exploring the site and learning about the history of the region. The nearby town of Loropéni is home to a market where visitors can purchase locally made crafts and other souvenirs.
Fun Fact: The ruins of Loropéni were discovered by chance in the 1930s by a group of hunters who stumbled upon the site while tracking game.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Ruins of Loropéni is 5000 CFA francs (approximately 9 USD) per person.
How to Reach it: The Ruins of Loropéni are located in southern Burkina Faso, near the border with Cote d'Ivoire. The nearest major city is Banfora, which is approximately 100 kilometers from the site. Visitors can reach Banfora by bus or taxi from major cities such as Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso, and then hire a taxi or take a local minibus to reach the site.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in the nearby town of Loropéni, including guesthouses and small hotels. Visitors can also choose to stay in Banfora, which has a wider range of accommodation options. Some popular options include the Hotel La Falaise, the Hotel La Guinguette, and the Hotel Le Remblai.
Next Stop: Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso