© T. Redaelli
Chinguetti, a city of savants and scholars, is the guardian of ancient manuscripts and timeless libraries. It’s a caravan centre that can boast traditional architecture and fine buildings. It is no coincidence that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.
The historic caravan town of Chinguetti is another must-see destination in the Adrar region. It is Islam’s seventh holy city, with a wealth of historical attractions as well as beautiful dunes that light up in every shade of colour under the sun. With buildings dating back to the 13th century, it was the capital of the Mauri kingdom and its scholars of Islamic culture were famous. A cultural and intellectual centre, it was of great importance in the region’s trade exchanges.
At its height, there were 12 mosques and 25 Koranic schools in Chinguetti. Its fortunes then depended on the rich caravans that transported salt to Timbuktu and Marrakech. The Ksar, the intricate maze of alleyways in the historic centre, is the most interesting part to visit and full of atmosphere. Here, there is a beautiful 16th-century mosque whose minaret has become a symbol for Mauritania, crumbling old buildings and five libraries that still hold rare Islamic manuscripts. The Chinguetti surroundings are famous for their spectacular dunes, particularly those of the Erg Ouarane section, the largest in the country. Camel rides can take several days and go as far as Ouadâne or even in 14 days to Tidjikia in Tagânt.
