OLD CITY

The old town of Ouadane, also known as the ksour, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. It boasts 8 symbols: the Rue des 40-Savants, the Maison des Armes, the new mosque, the fortifications, the old mosque, the three houses of the town's founders, the fortified well and the two towers built to control access to the well. From the balcony of Haj Yacoub's house, you can enjoy the soothing sound of the wind in the palm trees, as you gaze out over the desert towards Chinguetti... Ouadane was finally abandoned for 3 reasons: the cement (banco) dissolved in the rain, termites caused the roofs to collapse, and finally, the wind. The ancient city was restored in dribs and drabs, according to the budgets received. In 2002, Portuguese funding made it possible to restore the mosque, Rue des 40-Savants and a few houses. Elsewhere, many of the walls and facades are on shaky ground. The fatalistic guide will probably tell you that it's been like this for so many years, why worry? The guide will prove indispensable, as there are many points of interest that are difficult for a novice to spot. What's more, it's easy to get lost in this gigantic labyrinth, which is not suitable for the mobility-impaired. Tip: to the north of the old mosque, beyond the palm grove, the Tiftil promontory offers a lovely view of the old town, as does the former Hotel Palace.