Most famous religious destinations in Africa
Most famous religious destinations in Africa
Ancient stone churches and sacred historic mosques in Africa
Africa has some of the oldest churches and mosques in the world, and religion is still a big part of everyday life across most of the continent.
In Ethiopia, the rock-cut churches of Lalibela are still used for services, and a visit during a festival like Timkat can be an experience you will talk about for years. North Africa has famous mosques and old medinas, while in Mali the mud-brick Great Mosque of Djenné looks very different from anything most visitors have seen before. Some travelers are more interested in traditional beliefs, and in many regions local guides can explain sacred forests, shrines and ceremonies that you would walk past without noticing.
It is a good idea to check local customs before you go. Some mosques are closed to non-Muslim visitors, many churches ask you to take off your shoes, and a modest outfit with covered shoulders and knees is usually the right choice everywhere.
Lists by region
Country
Mali
Ancient wonders meet natural landscapes
Timbuktu's Djinguereber Mosque was completed in 1327 and its creation is attributed to Mansa Musa. It is built largely of earth, fibre, straw and wood, with limestone in the north facade and minaret. It ranks as a major learning centre. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 1988.
City in Egypt
Luxor
Ancient wonders on the Nile
Karnak Temple was Egypt's most important temple until the end of antiquity. It honoured Amun, later linked to the sun god Ra. Luxor Temple stands within the modern city. The Valley of the Kings lies across the Nile. The place is described as the world's greatest open air museum.
Country
Morocco
Where desert meets Mediterranean magic
Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca was inaugurated on 30 August 1993. Its minaret rises 690 feet. Part of the building stands on a platform over the Atlantic. A 1,100 ton retractable roof opens in about five minutes. The grounds hold up to 105,000 worshippers. A public hammam fills the basement.
City in Egypt
Cairo
Where ancient history meets bustling life
Al-Azhar Mosque was founded in 970 and is today one of the world's oldest universities. Ibn Tulun Mosque, built between 876 and 879, is the oldest in the city to keep its original form. UNESCO named Historic Cairo a World Cultural Heritage site in 1979.
City in Senegal
Touba
Spiritual heart of West Africa’s pilgrimage
The Great Mosque of Touba is the home of the Mouride Brotherhood, a Sufi order. Congregation began in 1887 and construction was completed in 1963. Seven minarets and 14 domes crown it. The central minaret reaches 315 feet. Founder Ahmadou Bamba is buried inside. The Grand Magal pilgrimage is held here.
Historic Site in Ethiopia
Lalibela
Stone churches echoing centuries of faith
UNESCO identifies 11 rock hewn churches carved from living rock here. Tradition credits King Lalibela with founding them. The layout is widely seen as a symbolic replica of Jerusalem. Bete Giyorgis is the best preserved. Pilgrims gather at 8,200 feet during Genna on 7 January and Timkat on 19 January.
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