Background

Ruins of Loropéni: Echoes of the Trans-Saharan Gold Trade

Explore the ancient Ruins of Loropéni, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a window into West Africa's medieval gold trade and cultural heritage.

3.5

The Ruins of Loropéni, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Burkina Faso, are the well-preserved stone remains of a medieval fortress dating back over 1,000 years. Once a vital hub in the trans-Saharan gold trade, the ruins offer a glimpse into West Africa's rich history and cultural exchange.

A brief summary to Ruins of Loropéni

  • 6CX8+XMR, Niratoma, BF
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy footwear to navigate the uneven terrain comfortably.
  • Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the ruins.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat.
  • Bring plenty of water, as there are limited amenities available at the site.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Gaoua, the capital of the Sud-Ouest Region, small buses depart from downtown (not the main bus station) towards Banfora via Loropéni. Get off in Loropéni. From there, the ruins are about 4 km in the direction of Banfora. You can walk or find a motorbike taxi for around 500 CFA.

  • Taxi

    From Gaoua, hire a taxi for the 40km journey to the Ruins of Loropéni. The drive takes approximately one hour. Negotiate the fare beforehand. Expect to pay around 35,000 CFA for a car and driver for the day.

Unlock the Best of Ruins of Loropéni

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Ruins of Loropéni

The Ruins of Loropéni stand as a testament to a bygone era, a significant stop along the ancient trans-Saharan gold trade routes. Located near the town of Loropéni in southern Burkina Faso, these ruins are the country's first UNESCO World Heritage site, inscribed in 2009. The 11,130 square meter property features imposing stone walls, the best-preserved of ten fortresses in the Lobi area. These fortresses are part of a larger network of approximately 100 stone enclosures, bearing witness to the power and wealth generated by the gold trade. Recent excavations suggest that the walled enclosure dates back to at least the 11th century AD, flourishing between the 14th and 17th centuries. During this time, the settlement was occupied by the Lohron or Koulango peoples, who controlled the extraction and processing of gold in the region. The site's strategic location near the borders of Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo further contributed to its importance as a trading center. The massive quadrangular-shaped stone and earthen rampart complex includes walls that reach up to 20 feet high and almost four feet wide in places. Much mystery surrounds the site, with large portions remaining unexcavated. The settlement appears to have been abandoned during certain periods of its long history, with final desertion occurring in the early 19th century. Despite the passage of time and exposure to severe environmental conditions, approximately 80% of the original rampart and partition walls still stand. Today, the local community respects the site for its cultural values, and efforts are underway to ensure its preservation for future generations.

Popular Experiences near Ruins of Loropéni

Popular Hotels near Ruins of Loropéni

Select Currency