Masvingo Travel Guide

Great Zimbabwe is the largest and most important ancient stone architectural site in sub-Saharan Africa, built between the 11th and 15th centuries, serving as the political and religious center of the ancient Shona kingdom. This magnificent stone city was constructed from granite blocks without any mortar, yet has stood for a millennium, demonstrating the remarkable architectural wisdom of ancient Africans. The site is divided into the Hill Complex, Valley Complex, and Peripheral Complex, with the elliptical wall of the Valley Complex reaching 11 meters in height, displaying imposing grandeur. The site has also yielded numerous artifacts including gold ornaments, glass beads, and ceramics, proving it was a trade center connecting the East African coast with the interior. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Great Zimbabwe is the source of the country name Zimbabwe and a powerful testament to ancient African civilization.