Must-Visit Heritage Sites

Discover three of Benin City’s most iconic cultural sites where history, artistry, and tradition converge.

1. The Royal Palace of Benin

The Royal Palace is not just an architectural landmark; it is the living heart of Benin’s heritage. Home to the Oba of Benin, this UNESCO World Heritage Tentative site is steeped in rituals and centuries-old customs.

Inside its walls, you’ll find historic courtyards where palace chiefs gather, ancestral altars adorned with bronze and ivory, and echoes of the ancient Benin Kingdom’s governance and spiritual order.

Visitors don’t just witness a palace—they step into an unbroken line of history that continues to shape Edo identity today.

2. Igun Street (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Known as the cradle of Benin bronze casting, Igun Street is where craftsmanship meets cultural memory. The sound of hammers and the sight of molten metal tell stories of an art form passed down through generations.

Here, you’ll see traditional guild members creating world-renowned Benin bronzes using the same lost-wax techniques their ancestors perfected. Igun Street is more than a marketplace—it’s a living archive of artistry, heritage, and resilience.

3. Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub & Museum

Founded by the late Sir Victor Uwaifo, legendary musician and cultural innovator, this hub is where music, art, and history collide.

The museum showcases Uwaifo’s guitars, sculptures, and experimental instruments, alongside artifacts that reflect his lifelong mission to fuse tradition with modernity. For many, it’s a reminder that Benin culture isn’t frozen in time—it evolves, innovates, and continues to inspire.

From royal traditions to artisan mastery and cultural innovation, these sites offer an intimate look into Benin City’s soul. But there’s more to explore—stay tuned for Part 2, where we uncover hidden shrines, cultural hubs, and places of spiritual resonance.