Culture The Beauty of Africa

7 Holy Cities in Africa to Add to Your Bucket List

holy cities in africa
Written by See Africa Today

Nothing tells of the beauty of a people’s religious culture more than the holy cities in Africa. Religion is a perfect pointer of what a society stands for and what drives it. While wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, vast African savannahs, mountains, canyons, deserts and lakes all tell of Africa’s beauty, holy sites have much more to tell.

These sacred cities present a unique blend of religion and tradition. What’s more, is that they were established centuries ago. African ancestors established them as a guide for society and as places to seek divine intervention. This righteousness-inspired synergy keeps communities moving in their faith which now defines their cultural and religious identity.

List of Holy Cities in Africa

History, mediaeval architecture and culture form the holy cities in Africa back story. Each city tells a different sacred story through its architecture, culture and history. As you plan your bucket list in 2025, slot in a few of these cities for a real experience.

  • Axum, Ethiopia
  • Fez, Morocco
  • Lalibela, Ethiopia
  • Kairouan, Tunisia
  • Touba, Senegal
  • Harar, Ethiopia
  • Timbuktu, Mali

1. Axum (Aksum), Ethiopia

holy cities in africa

Axum is such an important religious destination in Africa. Photo/Egyptian Geographic

Axum is such an important religious destination in Africa especially for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church believers. It houses the Ark of the Covenant at St. Mary of Zion church. Ethio-Christian tradition holds that the Ark was transported to Axum by Menelik, the progeny of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheeba. This religious object turns Axum into one of Ethiopia’s most revered pilgrimage destinations and a leader of holy cities in Africa. It is more famous during the Festival of Timkat, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Easter celebrations.

Furthermore, many obelooks and toures are located in Axum, showing its important influence in the early Christian time in Africa. The city acted as the capital of the mighty Axumite kingdom, one of the first states in history that officially adopted Christianity in the fourth century.

2. Fez, Morocco

Islam considers Fez a sacred city. Fez has many mosques and madrasahs. The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque takes a special place as a place of worship and learning. This Moroccan city is considered sanctified throughout Islamic festivals due to its medieval architecture giving the city a spiritual touch.

It’s indeed the heart of the Arab world and has the oldest school in the world, the University of Al Quaraouiyine still functioning to date. Originally established in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, the university has grown to become a leader in Islamic learning.

3. Touba, Senegal

holy cities in africa

Touba in Senegal. Photo/Wikipedia

Touba is among the holy cities in Africa. It was established by Sheikh Amadou Bamba, a Sufi saint who is highly regarded by people of the Wolof ethnic group. Touba has the biggest religious buildings in the continent such as the Great Mosque of Touba. Further, it hosts the annual Grand Magal pilgrimage in commemoration of Sheikh Amadou’s exile by the French. Millions flock to the city to honour Amadou and pray for blessings.

4. Lalibela, Ethiopia

Lalibela alias New Jerusalem is famous for its fantastic churches carved in rocks. There are 11 medieval monolithic churches constructed during the 12th century during the reign of King Lalibela. This ancient architecture has numerous tunnels and pathways representing a ‘Holy Land’ just as modern church structures do. Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has its main base here. As one of the most famous holy cities in Africa, Lalibela hosts religious festivals such as Genna, Ethiopian Christmas and Timkat.

5. Kairouan, Tunisia

holy city in africa

Kairouan is an interesting North African city regarded as Tunisia’s religious capital. Photo/Smarthistory

Kairouan is an interesting North African city regarded as Tunisia’s religious capital. It’s home to the Great Mosque of Kairouan, and the Mosque of Uqba. Its construction started in the middle of the 7th century; which makes it one of the oldest mosques in the Islamic world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city receives thousands of visitors during Islamic pilgrimage occasions.

6. Harar, Ethiopia

Harar in Ethiopia has a special place in holy cities in Africa. It’s an ancient city famous for its 82 mosques and more than 100 shrines giving birth to its nickname – the City of Saints. Muslims established their base in Harar in the 10th century and made a home in the following decades. Weirdly though, Harar is also popular for feeding hyenas, an exercise believed to wield so magical powers that drive away spirits in the city.

7. Timbuktu, Mali

Timbuktu is a historical city in Mali, renowned for its Islamic heritage. It was a major centre of learning and trade in the 15th and 16th centuries. The city is home to several ancient mosques, including the Djinguereber Mosque.

Holy cities in Africa are a place for history, culture and religion. Ethiopia represents East Africa. North Africa has the most holy sites in the continent – they are a major fascination for pilgrims globally.

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