The Great Grass Shelter

The Great Grass Shelter

The Great Grass Shelter (Umana Yana) is located at the mouth of the Demerara River. It was originally built in August 1972 as a venue for the Non-Aligned Movement Foreign Ministers' Conference held in Guyana that year. Umana Yana is a term from the Wai-Wai indigenous language, meaning "a place for people to gather." The Great Grass Shelter was built by the Wai-Wai, an indigenous tribe of Guyana. Covering an area of 640 square meters, it is the largest of its kind, standing 16.78 meters high with a conical shape and a roof covered with palm leaves, showcasing strong traditional Indigenous architectural style.

Due to the original structure being blown down by strong winds, it was rebuilt on the same site in 1994. The Great Grass Shelter was constructed in the style of Indigenous housing, surrounded by 2.7-meter-high grass fences, with its dome covered by mats woven from thatch and reeds. This cost-effective, simple, and practical shelter remains cool and comfortable inside, even during scorching hot weather.

Today, the Great Grass Shelter has become a well-known attraction in Guyana, drawing many visitors each year. The President and Prime Minister of Guyana often receive foreign ambassadors and distinguished guests here.

Umana Yana

Must-visit reason: The most unique building in Guyana

Continent where the attraction is located: South America【South America】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Guyana[Guyana]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Demerara-Mahaica Region [Demerara-Mahaica Region]

City where the attraction is located: Georgetown [Georgetown]