Been to La Grande Mosque in Djenne

The largest mud mosque in the world, originally built in the 13th century. In 1988 La Grande Mosque de Djenne, located in Mali, West Africa was designated a World Heritage Site.


The current structure was built in 1907.



While stationed in southern Mali as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I traveled to Dejenne and visited this incredible structure. That's me.... looking out from the highest turret of the mosque.




The town of Djenne is situated on an island in the Niger River. Legend has it that whenever someone tried to build on this island, floods or earthquakes would destroy the buildings. A witch doctor was consulted and advised the daughter of the Chief should be sacrificed. A wall was built around the island, and she was entombed alive in the wall. Above photo marks the location in the wall where the young girl was placed....