SUKUR CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
Madagali, Adamawa State
A remarkable mountain settlement where architecture, agriculture, spirituality and ancient industry exist together.
- World Heritage
- Culture
- Architecture
- Landscape
About
High in the Mandara Mountains lies Sukur, one of Nigeria's most extraordinary cultural landscapes.
The settlement is built around the hilltop palace of the Hidi, the traditional political and spiritual leader of the community. Below it are terraced agricultural fields, stone pathways, traditional compounds, wells, shrines and the remains of historic iron-smelting furnaces.
History & Cultural Significance
Sukur has a documented history extending back centuries and became a centre of iron production, agriculture and trade.
Its terraces demonstrate an advanced relationship between people and the mountainous environment. Stone walls and pathways organise the landscape, while the remains of iron furnaces provide evidence of a sophisticated local industry.
The community's spiritual traditions, festivals and ceremonies remain part of the cultural landscape.
What Visitors Can Experience
- - Walk the terraced hills
- - Visit the Hidi's Palace area
- - Explore traditional stone architecture
- - Discover historic iron-smelting sites
- - Experience the mountain landscape
- - Learn about Sukur's living traditions
Sukur was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999 and is recognised for the survival of its cultural landscape and continuing traditions.
Plan a trip around SUKUR CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
Tell us when you are travelling and we will help you build the rest of the trip around it.