Cyrene Mission
An Anglican mission school founded in 1939. Its small chapel is covered inside and out with African-style biblical murals, making it a distinctive landmark of modern art.
Cyrene Mission School was founded in 1939 on the northern side of the Matobo Hills by the English missionary Ned Paterson. He encouraged students to paint Bible stories using African figures, so the walls and ceilings of the small chapel are filled with colourful murals featuring African saints, local animals and village scenes. It is regarded as an important starting point of 20th-century African modern art. The school is still operating. Visits require registering at the office and obtaining permission, and donations are welcome. The site lies about 32 km southwest of Bulawayo and can be visited on the same day as Matobo National Park.
Opening hours
Daytime (registration required)