Idanre Hill is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Nigeria. Added to Idanre Hill beauty, which fires human curiosity is the fact that the entire people of Idanre lived on these boulders for almost a millennium.
Located in Idanre Town, about 24 kilometres southwest of Akure, Ondo State capital, the ancient Idanre Hills had been a home for the Idanre community for almost 100 years.
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IDANRE HILL IS A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
As a natural and cultural landscape, Idanre Hills stands out well among all other places that have been listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It is a cluster of intimidating and imposing hills housing some wonderful things which confound the senses.
The hills surround the town, envelope it and dominate life in the town. From any angle, one sees the hills and virtually every activity revolves round this collection of hills.
IDANRE HILL FLORA AND FAUNA
Apart from that cultural role, the town pulls the wealthy and the commoner, basically due to its perceived mystical aura and the giddy excitement lovers of nature get when they surmount the steep, daunting climb to the top, to witness a spectacular view of the new town and adjoining hills in a breath-taking manner.
The flora and fauna of the place had been under scientific study for several decades. The topography of the place will be of great value to mankind.
Its physical attributes include Owa’s Palace, Shrines, Old Court, Belfry, Agbooogun foot print etc.
SOME FEATURES ON IDANRE HILL
THE ANCIENT PALACE
The ancient palace which has an intimidating courtyard where the Oba used to hold court is located on top of the hill where the old settlement used to be.
The palace houses some historical monuments about the establishment of Idanre town.
The guides are available to tell visitors rom interesting ancient histories about the community.
BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE
Idanre Hill is a cluster of intimidating and imposing hills that surrounds the town of Idanre.
The hills house some wonderful things which confound the senses.
It contains very important bio-physical and landform features whose interaction with the physical features created an enduring cultural landscape.
The panoramic view of the town from atop the Aghagha Hill is a view that takes one’s breath away.
AGHAGHA HILL, OROSUN PEAK AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Aghagha Hill emits smoke throughout the year and the Arun river is said to derive its source from the hot confines of the hill. It offers a beautiful scenery for nature lovers.
The famous Orosun festival is one of the major factors for Idanre’s consideration for upgrading to the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also, there is an annual Mare Festival (“MARE” meaning “don’t fall”) – an international mountain climbing festival, which celebrates the land, the people and its rich culture.
ARUN RIVER
Arun River is a mysterious river in a serene corner of the hill. It’s said that the river derive its source from the hot confines of Aghagha Hill. The water is so clear, clean and even drinkable.
One can even see the stones and plants inside it. People come here to pray and fetch the water for spiritual cleansing.
Those who venture mid-stream claim that they experience dizziness and the presence of a supernatural being, an eerie feeling which makes the head swell. The experience is definitely not for the lily-livered.
THE OLD TOWN
Idanre old town is a deserted ancient town on top of the hill where abandoned buildings including the palace and courtyard of the Oba can be found.
The old town also has a shrine of the High Chiefs and residential quarters of many inhabitants.
AGBOOGUN FOOTPRINT
The legend of the Idanre Hills is a mosaic of myths and magic, woven around Agboogun, a great hunter with supernatural ability. A popular account asserts that the great hunter asked three of his sidekicks to accompany him on a journey. On their way, he paused to inscribe hieroglyphically on a hillside, and the cryptic inscription became known as the “Unreadable Signs.” A little further, he etched on another hill, this time, broad crisscrossed strokes. This is dubbed the “Wonderful Mat.” Then he climbed the steep Aghagha Hill. At the foot of the hill, Agboogun struck his foot on the rock, leaving an imprint on its surface. The foot shaped-depression is now known as “Ese Agboogun” (Agboogun’s Footprint). He left an instruction: “Any person(s) accused of witchcraft should be made to try it for a size; it fits any foot size except those of the malevolent.”
