Djenne, Mali The Great Mosque of Djenne, one of Islam's oldest, was built on the orders of King Koi Komboro in around 1280. © D.R.
Djenne, founded in the 9th century is one of the most beautiful cities in Mali. Entirely constructed of banco bricks (which are made from earth and straw), and characterized by Sudanese architecture, it is surrounded by the waters of the River Bani.