A light sand coloured building with smooth sides, almost like a giant sand castle

Great Mosque of Djenné

Djenné, Mali

The Great Mosque of Djenné is the world’s largest mud structure – yes, it’s made from mud – and the third one built on the same site. The first one was constructed in the early 13th century and became a religious center for the ancient pilgrimage city of Djenne, which served to spread Islam within Africa.

Workers repairing a mosque made of mud with wooden struts.

It’s made of earth bricks that have been dried in the sun, mortar made of sand and a plaster that creates a smooth surface. Every year, the people of Djenné have a festival where they work together to fix any parts of the mosque that need repairs.