Chinghetti - A Fairy Tale in the Middle of Mauritania

The place
Photo Gallery

The place

Nestled in Mauritania, Chinghetti is a town that seems to be perfectly preserved in an age long past. It was one of the most memorable parts of my journey to this intriguing country. The town's architecture, with its red brick and stone houses, alludes to a bygone era, a living testament to the history it has witnessed.

Together with the cities of Ouadane, Tichitt and Oualata, Chinguetti was designated as a World Heritage Site, acknowledging its invaluable contribution to the world's heritage.

Join us on a unforgettable journey to Mauritania

One of the most notable architectural structures in the town is The Friday Mosque of Chinguetti. This ancient structure, made of dry-stone construction, is an important symbol of the town's religious heritage. It features a distinctive square minaret, embellished with five ostrich egg finials that add to its unique aesthetic. The mosque, which I had the opportunity to photograph from the roof of one of the town's libraries, dates back to the 13th or 14th century. It holds the distinction of being the second oldest minaret still in use in the Muslim world. However, it's important to note that non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque.

Mauritania - a travelogue and photo gallery

Join us on a unforgettable journey to Mauritania

In addition to the mosque, there are other interesting places within the town that are worth noting. These include the former French Foreign Legion fortress, a solid reminder of the town's colonial past, and a towering water tower that offers panoramic views of the town. Each of these places contributes to the extraordinary experience of visiting Chinghetti, a town that allows you to travel back in time and witness history in its most authentic form.

Mauritania - a travelogue and photo gallery