Keur Moussa abbey, Benedictine monastery near Dakar, Senegal.
Keur Moussa abbey is a Benedictine monastery near Dakar set on agricultural grounds with fruit orchards. Its buildings blend traditional West African architectural elements with religious structures.
The monastery was founded in 1961 by nine French monks from the Abbey of Solesmes and gained full abbey status in 1984. This transition established a permanent religious community in Senegal.
The abbey blends Gregorian chants with African instruments, particularly the kora, which monks use during worship. This musical fusion has resulted in recordings that bridge two spiritual worlds.
Services are available at set times throughout the week, with longer hours on certain days to accommodate visitors. It is best to check current times before your visit, as schedules may vary seasonally.
The community is made up of roughly forty monks, with two-thirds being Senegalese who practice traditional farming. The monastery is also known for producing goat cheese on its grounds.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
