Agadez is the capital of the Agadez Region, with a history dating back to at least the 14th century AD. It is an important city for the Tuareg people and has been a key trading post in the Sahara Desert. In 2013, its historic center was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The historic center of Agadez is famous for being the “gateway to the desert,” located at the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. It flourished during the establishment of the Sultanate of Aïr in the 15th and 16th centuries and the settlement of the Tuareg tribes. The street pattern formed during this period still remains. The historic center served as a crossroads for trans-Saharan trade and is divided into 11 irregular sections. It features a large number of earthen houses and a well-preserved complex of palace-like religious buildings. It highlights the ancestral culture, commercial activities, and handicraft traditions that are still practiced today, showcasing outstanding examples of earthen architecture and craftsmanship.

The most iconic feature of Agadez’s historic center is the Agadez Mosque, which stands at an impressive 27 meters tall and is entirely constructed from mud bricks, making it the tallest of its kind in the world. The mosque’s unique design, grandeur, and craftsmanship are remarkable. It is a square-shaped adobe structure consisting of seven levels. Climbing the spiral staircase inside the minaret allows visitors to reach the top and enjoy panoramic views of Agadez city.

Historic Centre of Agadez

Reason to visit: One of the latest World Heritage Sites in 2013

Continent: Africa

Country: Niger

Region: Agadez Region

City: Agadez