Culture & HeritageCultural LandscapeUNESCO Tentative List

Idanre Hills

Idanre, Ondo State · South West

Photograph: Victor Akinfala · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

Hilltop settlement above Idanre town, occupied for centuries and reached by a long stone stairway.

Why it matters

The hills above Idanre hold the old town the community occupied for centuries before moving to the plain, and are on Nigeria's UNESCO Tentative List.

History

The old town of Idanre sits on hills above the present town, and was inhabited for around 800 years before the community moved down in the twentieth century. The site retains the old palace, shrines and court, and is on Nigeria's UNESCO tentative list.

Cultural significance

The old town retains shrines, the former palace and burial grounds still tended by the community.

Local stories and traditions

Historical accounts describe the population beginning to move down to the present town in the twentieth century, with the hilltop settlement retained for ceremonial use.

What visitors can experience

The stepped ascent to the old town
Old palace, court and shrine remains
Views across the Ondo forest belt

Travel guidance

Responsible travel

Shrines on the hill are in active use. Ask before entering or photographing, and follow the guides' route.

Visitors should follow local guidance and community protocols. Do not enter restricted sacred areas, remove artefacts, disturb wildlife or damage archaeological remains.