Holy Place of Taputapuatea, French Polynesia

The islands of French Polynesia are rich in unique attractions. The sacred site of Taputapuatea is a world-famous tourist attraction. According to researchers, it was founded in the early 11th century. This sacred place is considered the most significant in the archipelago today. An amazing monument of Polynesian culture was destroyed with the arrival of colonizers on the islands.

Researchers have discovered an interesting archaeological area recently. The sacred monument was restored in 1994. The place is located in the bay of Opoa. The locals have many beautiful legends associated with this place. According to one of them, it was in this bay that the god of war Opo was born. He was considered the dominant deity among the Polynesians. The sacred place was founded in the bay specifically to offer sacrifices to the deity.

Visitors to the archaeological area can see the restored fragments of stone structures. There are also figurines here. They are made of volcanic rock. The sacred place is surrounded by incredibly beautiful natural landscapes. Two vast forest valleys are located next to it. These places attract not only fans of ancient history, but also fans of walking through picturesque natural places. Divers also visit the bay of Opoa. A very beautiful coral reef is located next to it. The bay is considered quite safe for diving. Therefore, even beginners can go diving here.

There are many sacred places like the Marais Taputapuatea on the islands of French Polynesia. But the place found in the bay of Opoa is remarkable because it is one of the oldest in the archipelago. All other sacred complexes were built much later, in the 15th-18th centuries. Researchers believe that the largest temple on the territory of the archipelago could have been located in this place once. But it was destroyed with the arrival of the European colonialists. Reconstruction of several other sacred sites is currently underway on the islands. To the beginning - Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral