Top 5 Heritage Sites In Nigeria Recongnised By UNESCO

Here are a few of the Nigerian sites that are have been adopted as World Heritage sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

These sites are also attraction centres for tourists thereby raising money for the country.

Idanre Hill

The Idanre Hill or Oke Idanre is located in Idanre town in Ondo State of southwestern Nigeria.

The hill of Idanre is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Nigeria. It includes such cultural sites as “Owa’s Palace, Shrines, Old Court, Belfry, Agbooogun footprint, thunder water, and burial mounds and grounds”.

The hills are about 680 steps from the bottom to the peak and have mysterious handwritings etched into the rock, which has never been decoded. On the hill also is a magical footprint that fits any foot put in it.

The Idanre hill was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in October 2007, in the cultural category.

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Groves

Osun-Osogbo or Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a sacred forest along the banks of the Osun river just outside the city of Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.

The Osun-Osogbo Grove is among the last of the sacred forests which usually adjoined the edges of most Yoruba cities before extensive urbanization.

Old Oyo

Old Oyo in southwest Nigeria is said to be the former city of Oyo (known as Oyo-Ile), which was deserted in the 18th century after a war with Hausa/Fulani raiders.

The site lies within the confines of Old Oyo National Park, and on it are the ruins of buildings built by people who lived there in the past, such as the old palace compound, outer walls with ditches, and a water reservoir.

There are also wells, cisterns, and grinding hollows which are proof of an extensive past settlement. Within the park is also the famous Agbaku Cave, which served as a shelter for the ancient warriors of the Oyo-Alaafin Kingdom during times of war.

Ogbunike Caves

Located in a valley blanketed by tropical rain forest, the collection of caves has been in use over centuries by local people for whom it has particular spiritual significance. This spiritual significance is still apparent, as the “Ime Ogba” celebration is undertaken every year to commemorate the discovery of the caves.

Descending into the valley is a lengthy walkway of 317 steps, which were constructed by the state government.

The cave has about 10 inner chambers and several tunnels, some of which are interlinked. Several streams also flow into the caves, and another stream within flows out into the river Nkissa.

Bats are the main occupants of the caves, but other animals can be found in the tropical rainforest vicinity, including antelopes, porcupines, and snakes.

Ogbaukwu Caves and Waterfall

The Ogba Ukwu Caves and Waterfalls presents one of the greatest natural tourist attractions in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria. However, not so much is known about the site, which has been in existence for many years.

Locals tell a story of a brave warrior who defeated lions that lived in the caves. The waterfalls are an aesthetic beauty and attract many tourists.