The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a lush, mystical forest sanctuary along the banks of the Osun River, revered as the spiritual abode of Osun, the Yoruba goddess of fertility and love. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the grove is one of the last remaining sacred forests of the Yoruba people, preserving centuries-old traditions, rituals, and art.
Located on the outskirts of Osogbo in Osun State, this sacred site is adorned with intricate shrines, sculpted figures, and sacred altars dedicated to Osun and other deities. Many of these works were crafted under the guidance of Austrian artist Susanne Wenger, whose collaboration with local artists revived and preserved the grove’s spiritual and cultural significance in the mid-20th century.
The grove comes alive each August during the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival, drawing pilgrims, worshippers, and tourists from across the world for rituals, dances, and prayers. Beyond its religious role, the site stands as a living museum of Yoruba cosmology, traditional art, and environmental conservation.
