Located in southern Bénin, 209 km from Cotonou, the city of Dassa is renowned for hosting the grotto Notre-Dame d'Arigbo. A cave dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is also known for its 41 hills, sacred sites and magnificent palaces dating from the era of royalty, making it one of the most attractive cities in the country.

Formerly, the city of Dassa was known as Idaasha. According to history, its founders came from Nigeria around the early 12th century. Indeed, the city was said to have been founded by migrants of various origins shortly after the collapse of the Oyo empire. These settlers, led by Prince Oládégbò, settled at the foot of the city's hills to join the first Yorubas, a people already present there long before our era. Since then, the two tribes founded the kingdom of Igbó Ìdàáshà. A kingdom of which Prince Oládégbò himself was the sovereign.

Another legend tells the story of a city named after the daughter of sovereign Olófin, Daïssa. Other accounts claim that the city takes its name from a city called "Orisha" which means "God", from the expression "Ida" which symbolizes "the creature" and from the word "Igbo" which describes "the forest". The combination of these terms forms "Igbó Ìdàáshà", meaning: God's creature in the forest. According to specialists, this second hypothesis is more plausible, as it is directly connected to the dialect and beliefs of these indigenous peoples.

Since its creation, the kingdom extended from the Zou River to Ofè on the other side of the Ouémé banks. Many families from the south of the Aja kingdom settled there after the arrival of the Jagu. But it was not until the 18th century that Igbó Ìdàáshà was definitively recognized as a village.

Then, from the 19th century onwards, the city was ruled by King Adjiki Zomahoun, whose reputation was tarnished because of a rumor. Indeed, he was accused of making a treaty aimed at placing the city of Dassa under French authority.

Then, in the 1920s, Western missionaries landed in the city. The arrival of these preachers had a major influence on the traditions and languages of certain tribes, particularly the Fon.

Most travelers choose to visit Dassa for its numerous historical remains. Among these are the royal palace of the 41 hills, the natural site of the split rock, and the grotto of the Virgin Mary.

During your stay, take time to visit the royal palace of the 41 hills, a building that has successfully preserved the history of its past for future generations. Indeed, it was in this palace that sovereign Olófin lived during his reign from 1385 to 1425. He had this sumptuous residence built to materialize the seat of power of the Djagun dynasty, the royal branches of Dassa. Before the arrival of French colonists in 1894, the throne knew 23 monarchs, among whom were two queens including Djagun Oyoro and Djagun Alamon.

After visiting the palace, head to the natural site of the split rock. It is located just above the palace. For information, it is a gigantic rock split in two, called Okèyté, which overlooks the valley. Tourists always tend to climb to the top of the site to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city. Note that the presence of a guide is mandatory to access these rolling hills.

After climbing the vast split rock, set off to discover the 41 hills of Dassa-Zoumé. Of course, there are countless hills on the site, but this number carries particular symbolic and deeply religious value. They are generally magnificent rocky massifs with mountainous terrain. This is where voodoo rituals are practiced. Be careful not to desecrate this sacred space. But have no fear, a guide will be at your service for all instructions.

To complete the tourist circuit, dive into Christian faith by visiting the grotto of Notre-Dame d'Arigbo. This place, which bears a striking resemblance to the site of Notre-Dame de Lourdes, was chosen for devotion to the Virgin Mary and to ease the sorrows of the many pilgrims who cannot travel to Lourdes in France each year. Thus, the place became a Marian sanctuary. Each year, in mid-August, a pilgrimage is organized at the foot of the grotto. An event welcoming numerous pilgrims from neighboring countries.

Dassa enjoys a subequatorial climate. It is a city where rainfall is greater in summer than in winter. The average annual temperature is 27.2°C. The best time to visit is between November and December, January, and February.

To reach the city of Dassa, the ideal way is to take a flight to Cotonou and then travel by car to your destination. The town is, indeed, connected by roads to other cities such as Bohicon, Allada, Cotonou, etc.

Dassa offers various means of transportation to get around the city, including buses, taxis and taxi-motorcycles (Zémidjan). Buses are efficient for travel outside the city. Taxis offer exceptional comfort to passengers, and taxi-motorcycles are very practical for a short ride around the city center.

• Visit the royal palace of the 41 hills

• Explore the natural site of the split rock

• Discover the 41 hills of Dassa, rocky massifs and voodoo sanctuaries

• See the Notre-Dame d'Arigbo grotto

• See the reclining lion of Minifi