Djenné is a town in Mali, set on the Niger River in West Africa. It is known above all for its Great Mosque, a large building made of mud brick and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town itself is a historic trading city, and its streets and houses are built in the Sudano-Sahelian style, with earthen walls, rounded forms and wooden beams that stand out against the surrounding landscape.
What to see
- The Great Mosque, a mud-brick structure described as the largest of its kind in the world, and the centre of the town's architectural identity.
- The old town, where traditional buildings line the narrow streets and reflect the craft of earth construction.
- The weekly market, one of the most colourful in West Africa, where traders and visitors gather around the town's commerce.
What kind of visit it makes
Djenné suits travellers who are interested in architecture, history and local life. Much of the pleasure lies in walking slowly through the town, watching the market and looking closely at the buildings. Because the town's character comes from its everyday trade as much as from its monuments, a visit on market day gives the fullest sense of the place.
Mali's Niger River setting gives the town its long history as a trading city. Visitors planning a trip should check current travel conditions for the country before setting out, and allow time to take in both the mosque and the wider town.