DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Morija Printing Works

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°1
Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)

Weather…

Founded in 1861 by French missionaries, the Morija Printing Works stands as one of the most influential cultural and educational institutions in Lesotho. It was instrumental in the development of the Sesotho written language and played a pioneering role in the literacy of the Basotho people. For over 160 years, it has produced an vast array of materials, from the country’s first newspaper, 'Leselinyana la Lesotho,' to school textbooks and religious hymnals that are used across the southern African region. The success of the printing works helped establish Morija as the intellectual and spiritual heart of the kingdom. Today, the facility remains operational, successfully blending its historic legacy with modern printing technology to meet contemporary educational needs. Visiting the works allows one to appreciate the profound impact of the early missionary educators on the nation’s identity. The institution continues to be a symbol of Lesotho’s commitment to education and the preservation of its linguistic heritage, making it a cornerstone of the country’s modern history.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212018141177914171820
Rain mm1029274632221822196184103

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Morija Printing Works is still an active printing shop with historic machinery, visitable by appointment. Tours demonstrate the old letterpress art and its role in literacy.
🕒
Typical hours
The printing works operates weekdays 8 AM to 5 PM, but visits are only by appointment. It is best to contact them a few days ahead by phone or email.
📷
Photography
Photographing the machines and printing process is usually allowed, but without flash so as not to distract workers. Prior permission should be sought for video recording.
⏱️
Time needed
A tour of the printing works lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Those interested in technical details should allow one hour.
➕
Combine with
The printing works is right next to Morija Museum and the church, making a combined walk convenient. The adjacent mission bookshop sells books printed in Morija.
🧭
Getting there
The printing works is in the same compound as Morija Museum, in the village center. It is a one-minute walk from the museum entrance.
💡
Insider tip
Ask to see the historic 19th-century hand press in action if possible. Take home a book printed at the mission press as a special souvenir.

Geography

Coordinates
-29.62580, 27.50850

Facts

  • The printing works was founded in 1860.
  • The first Sesotho Bible was printed here in 1870.
  • Still uses some historic presses.
  • Employs about 20 workers.
  • Produces over 100,000 books annually.
  • The building was expanded in 1890.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Morija Historic ChurchMorija Historic Church<1 km · SWExplore →
MatsiengMatsieng6 km · EExplore →
Mofoka VillageMofoka Village10 km · NWExplore →
Ha Rambanta SolarHa Rambanta Solar11 km · WExplore →
Ha MoitsupeliHa Moitsupeli12 km · NEExplore →
Moshoeshoe AirportMoshoeshoe Airport19 km · NExplore →
Qeme PlateauQeme Plateau20 km · NExplore →
Pius XII CollegePius XII College21 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Morija Printing Works (1)

Morija Museum & Archives🏛 museum

Founded in 1956, this museum in Morija preserves Lesotho's most valuable cultural artifacts and historical archives.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Morija Printing Works?
It is one of the oldest and most significant printing works in Southern Africa.
Can you visit the printing works?
Visits are often possible for groups by arrangement to see the production process.
What is printed there?
Books, school materials, and religious texts in Sesotho and other languages.
Is there a shop there?
Yes, there is a bookstore where you can purchase the works printed there.
Why is this place historically important?
It played a key role in literacy and the spread of literature in Lesotho.
Morija Printing Works: where is it located?
Morija Printing Works is located in Lesotho.
Morija Printing Works: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Morija Printing Works: why is it worth visiting?
Founded in 1861 by French missionaries, the Morija Printing Works stands as one of the most influential cultural and educational institutions in Lesotho.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Lesotho →

Nearby cities

🗺️
Menkhoaneng
Menkhoaneng is the birthplace of King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho nation.
Mofoka Village — Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)
Mofoka Village
Mofoka Village is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and historical importance as a regional chieftaincy seat.

History & landmarks

Paris Evangelical Mission — Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)
Paris Evangelical Mission
The Paris Evangelical Missionary Society played the decisive role in early Lesotho's history and diplomacy.
Moshoeshoe Airport — Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)
Moshoeshoe Airport
The country's only international airport, serving as a key gateway for business travel and air freight transport.
🗺️
Koro-Koro Site
The Koro-Koro site is an important archaeological and historical area with San paintings and early Basotho settlements.
🗺️
Mokema Site
The Mokema site is known for its San rock paintings and as a location for historical meetings of Basotho chiefs.
Mazenod Catholic Center — Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)
Mazenod Catholic Center
The Mazenod Center is a significant religious and administrative hub for the Catholic Church.
Christ the King High School (Roma) — Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)
Christ the King High School (Roma)
This Catholic school in Roma is one of the country's most prestigious educational institutions.
🗺️
Qhomane Hill
Qhomane Hill served as a strategic mountain fortress during the 19th-century Basotho border wars.
Mafeteng Residency — Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)
Mafeteng Residency
The old Mafeteng Residency is a historic 19th-century British administrative building.

Nature

🗺️
Likhoele Mountain Reserve
A protected area near Mafeteng focusing on the conservation of highland biodiversity.
Mafeteng Wetland — Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)
Mafeteng Wetland
This marshy area in western Lesotho is an important sanctuary for waterbirds in an otherwise dry region.

More places

Morija Historic Church — Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)
Morija Historic Church
This church of the Lesotho Evangelical Church is one of the oldest in the country.
Morija Museum &amp; Archives — Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)
Morija Museum & Archives
Founded in 1956, the museum in Morija houses valuable historical documents and ethnographic collections.
Royal Archives — Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)
Royal Archives
The Royal Archives in Matsieng preserve the history of the Basotho monarchy and royal correspondence.
🗺️
Ha Rambanta Solar
A pioneering renewable energy project utilizing solar power to improve electricity access in rural areas.
Qeme Plateau — Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)
Qeme Plateau
The Qeme Plateau was an important military lookout and refuge for the Basotho during the 19th century.
Pius XII College — Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)
Pius XII College
Pius XII College, founded in 1945, was the precursor to the National University of Lesotho.
St. Patrick&#39;s Mission — Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)
St. Patrick's Mission
St.
National University Heritage — Morija Printing Works (Lesotho)
National University Heritage
The historic precinct of the National University of Lesotho in Roma includes the nation's first higher education buildings.