Dassa-Zoumé- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Dassa-Zoumé, often called Dassa, is a historic city in central Benin, strategically located along the railway and main highway connecting Cotonou and Parakou. It serves as the capital of the Collines Department and is home to the Idaasha people, descendants of the Egba subgroup of the Yoruba, who settled in the area centuries ago. Known for its religious significance, Dassa attracts pilgrims to the Grotte Notre-Dame d'Arigbo, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared, and a basilica now stands. The city also boasts rich cultural heritage, with Orisa shrines nestled in its surrounding hills and forests. Modern landmarks include the Mosquée Moubarqiue, built in 2010, and a bilingual primary school established by Jama'at Islamique Ahmadiyya. Dassa's blend of spirituality, culture, and history makes it an insightful destination for understanding Benin's diverse heritage.