The UNESCO Sites in Burkina Faso have resulted from the recognition of 3 cultural and natural landmarks as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Burkina Faso and 5 locations on the Burkina Faso UNESCO tentative list. These touristic sites in Burkina Faso are acknowledged for their unique and valuable cultural, natural, artistic, and historical significance and are preserved for future generations.
In addition to these 3 sites in the Burkina Faso UNESCO list, many other places to travel to Burkina Faso are being considered for UNESCO recognition. These sites, listed on the tentative list, showcase the rich cultural heritage of the country and are waiting for approval to join the prestigious and famous World Heritage Sites list.
To help visitors discover these remarkable Burkina Faso tourist attractions, we have assembled an interactive map of the UNESCO sites in Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso UNESCO Map
Click markers to show information and photo.
World Heritage Sites in Burkina Faso
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Burkina Faso
There are 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Burkina Faso. All of these three sites are listed under the Cultural category.
- Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso
- Ruins of Loropéni
- W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Burkina Faso are protected locations for their cultural and natural importance.
Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso
The Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso are a group of UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Burkina Faso. These sites are comprised of five archaeological sites that bear witness to the early iron production techniques that were used in the region from the 8th to the 15th century CE. The sites include the villages of Tiwêga, Yamané, Kindibo, Békuy, and Douroula. The sites contain the remains of furnaces, slag heaps, and other structures that were used in the production of iron, as well as a range of artifacts that attest to the technological advancements of the time. These sites provide valuable insights into the history of metallurgy and the social and economic developments that took place in West Africa during this period.
Ruins of Loropéni
The Ruins of Loropéni are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Burkina Faso. The site features the remains of a unique type of fortress-like architecture that was built using traditional techniques and materials. The ruins are believed to have been constructed between the 11th and 15th centuries and served as a center of trade and commerce. The site is notable for its well-preserved circular walls, which are made of stone and stretch over four kilometers in length. The Ruins of Loropéni offer valuable insights into the history and culture of the region and are a testament to the ingenuity of the people who built them.
W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
The W-Arly-Pendjari Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in West Africa. It is made up of three national parks – W National Park, Arly National Park, and Pendjari National Park – which together cover over 1.7 million hectares of land. The site is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including many rare and endangered species, such as the cheetah, lion, and elephant. It is also an important migratory route for many bird species. The W-Arly-Pendjari Complex is a crucial conservation area and a significant example of West African savannah ecosystems.
Burkina Faso UNESCO tentative list
- Les nécropoles de Bourzanga
- Cour royale de Tiébélé
- La réserve de Biosphère de la Mare aux Hippopotames de Bala
- Les gravures rupestres du Sahel burkinabè : Pobé-Mengao, Arbinda et Markoye
- Sya, centre historique de Bobo-Dioulasso
Tours in Burkina Faso
Our choices of tours in Burkina Faso are divided into thematic features such as Ouagadougou, Banfora, and Bobo-Dioulasso Experience.