The Ruins of Loropéni

Very former vestiges discovered in 1902 by lieutenant Schwartz, the ruins of Loropéni would be constructed toward the XI century. The Ruins are constituted of a rampart of shape close to the square (105 m on 106 m) covering a total surface of about 11130 m², and shared in two main compartments of which are inside of the structures of shapes varied determinant of the coins - mainly oblong compartments. The rampart makes about 6 m of height with a thickness of 1,40 m to the basis. Constructed since the XIè century, these ruins continue to challenge the inclemencies and other threats. These vestiges are the testimony of the power and the influence of the trade transsaharien of gold and his/her/its ties with the Atlantic coast. 

It is essentially Loropéni, farming township of 32 000 inhabitants, the Gans, the Lobis and the Birifors that shelter the ruins. They are situated to 3 km in the north - west of the downtown of Loropéni and to 700 m to the north of the road national n°11 joining Gaoua in Banfora. June 26, 2009, the Committee of the world heritage decided to recognize to the unanimity the universal value, the authenticity and the originality of the ruins of Loropéni. They become the same stroke the first site tourist burkinabè to be registered on the list of the world heritage of the UNESCO. 

The ruins of Loropéni are accessible in all season. They are to about forty (40) kilometers of Gaoua, the capital of the region of the South - West. Gaoua shelters numerous hotel infrastructures capable to welcome the visitors of the ruins of Loropéni. The visit is paying, 1000 CFA for the strangers and 500 CFA for the national.    

 
Koundjoro Gabriel KAMBOU