Old Towns of Djenné
Location: Djenné, Mali
Year of Inscription: 1988
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history;
Overview: The Old Towns of Djenné are located in central Mali and are comprised of three historic towns: Djenné, which is home to the Great Mosque of Djenné, one of the most famous landmarks in Africa; Mopti, a bustling trading town situated on the banks of the Niger River; and Timbuktu, a former center of Islamic scholarship and learning. These towns are known for their unique blend of African and Islamic cultures, traditional mud-brick architecture, and vibrant markets.
Prominent Features: The Old Towns of Djenné are home to many important sites and structures, including:
Great Mosque of Djenné: This mosque is the largest mud-brick building in the world and is a significant example of Sudano-Sahelian architecture. The mosque was first built in the 13th century and has been rebuilt several times over the centuries.
Old Town of Djenné: This historic town is home to many traditional mud-brick buildings, including houses, markets, and public buildings. The town is known for its narrow alleyways, vibrant markets, and traditional architecture.
History: The Old Towns of Djenné have a long and rich history dating back to the 13th century when the Great Mosque of Djenné was first built. These towns have been centers of Islamic culture and learning for centuries and have played important roles in the trans-Saharan trade routes. The towns have also been influenced by a variety of cultures, including African, Arab, and European.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the narrow alleyways and vibrant markets of the Old Towns of Djenné, visit the Great Mosque of Djenné, and learn about the history and culture of these important towns. There are also opportunities to take boat rides on the Niger River and see the local wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles.
Fun Fact: The Great Mosque of Djenné is built on a raised platform and is only accessible via wooden bridges that are built over the surrounding market stalls.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for visiting the Old Towns of Djenné.
How to Reach It: The journey from Bamako to Djenné takes about 8.5 hours by bus.
Where to Stay: Djenné offers a range of options for visitors, from traditional mud brick houses to more modern guesthouses and hotels. Some popular options include:
Hotel Djenné Djenno: This hotel is located in the heart of Djenné's old town and offers comfortable rooms in traditional mud brick houses. The hotel has a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.
La Maison des Hôtes: This guesthouse is located in the old town and offers comfortable rooms in a traditional setting. The guesthouse has a restaurant and a rooftop terrace with views of the town.
Campement Hotel Djenné: This hotel is located on the outskirts of Djenné and offers a range of accommodation options, including traditional mud brick houses and modern rooms. The hotel has a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.
Le Sangha Lodge: This lodge is located on the banks of the Bani River and offers comfortable rooms in a peaceful setting. The lodge has a restaurant and offers boat trips on the river.
Next Stop: Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Year of Inscription: 1988
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history;
Overview: The Old Towns of Djenné are located in central Mali and are comprised of three historic towns: Djenné, which is home to the Great Mosque of Djenné, one of the most famous landmarks in Africa; Mopti, a bustling trading town situated on the banks of the Niger River; and Timbuktu, a former center of Islamic scholarship and learning. These towns are known for their unique blend of African and Islamic cultures, traditional mud-brick architecture, and vibrant markets.
Prominent Features: The Old Towns of Djenné are home to many important sites and structures, including:
Great Mosque of Djenné: This mosque is the largest mud-brick building in the world and is a significant example of Sudano-Sahelian architecture. The mosque was first built in the 13th century and has been rebuilt several times over the centuries.
Old Town of Djenné: This historic town is home to many traditional mud-brick buildings, including houses, markets, and public buildings. The town is known for its narrow alleyways, vibrant markets, and traditional architecture.
History: The Old Towns of Djenné have a long and rich history dating back to the 13th century when the Great Mosque of Djenné was first built. These towns have been centers of Islamic culture and learning for centuries and have played important roles in the trans-Saharan trade routes. The towns have also been influenced by a variety of cultures, including African, Arab, and European.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the narrow alleyways and vibrant markets of the Old Towns of Djenné, visit the Great Mosque of Djenné, and learn about the history and culture of these important towns. There are also opportunities to take boat rides on the Niger River and see the local wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles.
Fun Fact: The Great Mosque of Djenné is built on a raised platform and is only accessible via wooden bridges that are built over the surrounding market stalls.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for visiting the Old Towns of Djenné.
How to Reach It: The journey from Bamako to Djenné takes about 8.5 hours by bus.
Where to Stay: Djenné offers a range of options for visitors, from traditional mud brick houses to more modern guesthouses and hotels. Some popular options include:
Hotel Djenné Djenno: This hotel is located in the heart of Djenné's old town and offers comfortable rooms in traditional mud brick houses. The hotel has a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.
La Maison des Hôtes: This guesthouse is located in the old town and offers comfortable rooms in a traditional setting. The guesthouse has a restaurant and a rooftop terrace with views of the town.
Campement Hotel Djenné: This hotel is located on the outskirts of Djenné and offers a range of accommodation options, including traditional mud brick houses and modern rooms. The hotel has a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.
Le Sangha Lodge: This lodge is located on the banks of the Bani River and offers comfortable rooms in a peaceful setting. The lodge has a restaurant and offers boat trips on the river.
Next Stop: Royal Hill of Ambohimanga