Ruins of Loropeni

The ruins of Loropéni are an ancient heritage site located near the town of Loropéni in southern Burkina Faso. They have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2009 and they are also the first World Heritage Site in Burkina Faso.

The ruins of Loropéni make a strong impression with their majestic laterite walls, tall and reaching up to six meters in height, surrounding a largely abandoned settlement. They are the best-preserved of the ten similar fortresses in the Lobi area, part of the enclave is built of stone, and they are part of a network of settlements that developed around the same time with gold trade through Saharan began to emerge. To reflect the power and influence of that trade and its links to the Atlantic coast.

Recent excavations have revealed that the walled enclave at Loropéni dates to at least the 11th century AD and flourished between the 14th and 17th centuries, hence they became an important part of the network of settlements.

Location: Niratoma, Burkina Faso