Chinguetti is one of the most important historical cities in Mauritania. It was founded in the 13th century as the center of several trans- Saharan routes; this small city attracts a handful of visitors who admire its spare architecture, scenery and ancient libraries. The city is seriously threatened by the encroaching desert; high sand dunes mark the western boundary and several houses
have been abandoned to the sand.
The indigenous Berber Saharan architecture of older sectors of the city features houses constructed of reddish dry-stone and mud-brick techniques, with flat roofs timbered from palms. Many of the older houses feature hand-hewn doors cut from massive ancient acacia trees, which have long disappeared from the surrounding area. Many homes include courtyards or patios that crowd along narrow streets leading to the central mosque.
Notable buildings in the town include The Friday Mosque of Chinguetti, an ancient structure of dry-stone construction, featuring a square minaret capped with five ostrich egg finials; and a tall water tower. The old quarter of the Chinguetti has five important manuscript libraries of scientific and Quran texts, with many dating from the later Middle Ages.
In recent years, the Mauritanian government, and various NGOs have attempted to position the city as a center for adventurous tourists. Visitors may “ski” down its sand dunes, visit the libraries, and appreciate the stark beauty of the Sahara.
We can operate a tour to the city for more information about the tour information
Contact:
WhatsApp/Instagram/Signal:+222 27272759
Adrar tour-(Chinguitti&Ouadane)
