Chinguetti Mosque

The Chinguetti Mosque features a rectangular prayer hall with stone walls and a minaret constructed according to traditional Moorish architectural techniques.

The mosque, established in the 13th century, served as a central point along trans-Saharan trade routes connecting North Africa with sub-Saharan regions.

Throughout centuries, the mosque maintained a collection of ancient Islamic manuscripts covering subjects from astronomy to medicine, attracting scholars from distant regions.

The mosque opens to visitors outside prayer times, with local guides providing information about the architectural elements and historical significance of the structure.

Sand dunes continuously advance toward the mosque's walls, requiring regular maintenance to prevent the structure from being overtaken by the Sahara Desert.

Location: Chinguetti

Architectural style: Moorish architecture

Part of: Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata

GPS coordinates: 20.46333,-12.36667

Latest update: March 4, 2025 08:57