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Idanre Hills
#425 Globally

⛰️ Idanre Hills

Nigeria

About This Sacred Site

The Idanre Hills, located in Ondo State, are a stunning cluster of high, smooth-faced rocks and verdant valleys that served as the dwelling place of the Idanre people until 1928. The hilltop settlement contains ancient palaces, shrines, and a court. The site is deeply sacred, with shrines to Orosun (the hill deity) and other Yoruba gods. The annual Orosun Festival celebrates the spiritual heritage of the hills, and the site is on Nigeria's UNESCO Tentative List.

Key Facts

  • The Idanre people lived atop these hills until they descended to the plains in 1928
  • Contains the Old Ooni's Palace, Agbogun Footprint, and several sacred shrines
  • On Nigeria's UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List
  • Over 640 steps lead to the old hilltop settlement
  • The annual Orosun Festival honors the spirit of the hill deity

Location

Coordinates: 7.1167, 5.1167

Quick Info
Religion
Indigenous
Country
Nigeria
Established
c. 1400s CE
Annual Visitors
100,000+
Significance
Sacred Yoruba hilltop settlement with ancient shrines and ancestral importance
Coordinates
Lat: 7.1167
Lng: 5.1167
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