According to UNESCO, shrines are “the last tangible remains of the great Ashanti civilization.” These sacred buildings, locally known as Abosomfie, date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. A visit to a shrine offers travelers a unique glimpse into the spiritual and mysterious side of Ashanti traditions. Some shrines are still active, with a priest living on-site, while others primarily serve as cultural heritage sites welcoming tourists.
Traditional beliefs continue to play an important role in Ghanaian culture, even in modern Ghana. Are you curious about this aspect of Ghanaian life? Feel free to ask the team at Banko Women Organization during your stay at BWO Hostel.
Visit the Besease Shrine
The Besease shrine, built in 1850, was fully restored in 1998. This UNESCO World Heritage site gives a glimpse of what Kumasi looked like in the past. It is one of the most famous shrines for tourists and a beautiful example of Ashanti architecture and spirituality.
During the 4-day Ultimate Experience Ashanti Tour or Culture Weekend, you will have the opportunity to visit this special shrine, guided by our experienced tour leaders.
Overview of Other Traditional Shrines in Ashanti
In addition to the Besease shrine, there are several other shrines in the Ashanti region that offer a unique look at the rich history and culture of Ghana. Here are some of the most interesting shrines that you can explore:
- Bodwease Shrine
The ancient traditional shrine in Bodwease features impressive architecture and a beautiful collection of relics, including old drums, fertility dolls, and bead necklaces. The shrine is part of the chief’s palace, and the caretaker is happy to welcome tourists. It’s advisable to bring a guide or someone who speaks Twi for a complete experience. - Atia Kusia Kwame Shrine
This shrine is located in Edwenase and dates back to the 19th century. It is no longer active, but visitors are welcome to learn about Ashanti traditions. The caretaker is not always present to provide explanations, so having a guide can be helpful. - Aduko Jachie Shrine
This shrine on the Kumasi-Accra road is known for its beautiful walls and relics dating back to the time of the last priest. The shrine remains an important spiritual site for the Ashanti people. - Adango Shrine
Located in Apiakrom, this shrine is still actively used. The building itself seems to date from the 20th century, but it was founded in 1799. The shrine has a priest and remains an important spiritual place in the region.
Is a Visit to a Traditional Shrine Worthwhile?
A visit to a shrine can deepen your understanding of Ghanaian culture, especially the traditional beliefs that continue to influence daily life. If you are open to it, a shrine visit offers a unique experience that raises questions and provides answers. Feel free to ask the caretaker, your guide, or our team to make your visit even more valuable.
Feedback from Our Guests
Guests who have participated in our Ashanti Tour describe the visit to the shrine as one of the most special parts of their journey. The impressive architecture, rich history, and stories from local caretakers provide a unique cultural experience.
Want to Explore More of Ashanti Culture?
Experience authentic Ashanti life during our Ashanti village tour at the BWO Hostel! Immerse yourself in local traditions, history, and culture. Read all about it in our blog Discovering Banko: a journey through an authentic Ashanti village and genuine Ghanaian culture.
hello, we are travelling to kumasi next january, and would love advice on best shrines to visit. are you based there?
Nice! We are based in Banko-Ashanti, about 1,5 hours from Kumasi. Usually we take our guests to Besease shrine because it’s on the Unesco world heritage list. The architecture is genuine architecture that one used to see all over Kumasi. Besides that we also visit Bodwease shrine. And every village/town has shrines as well. During our village tour we can take guests to see our traditional priests.