Harar Jugol
Jugol
A UNESCO World Heritage Site: an Islamic old city with 368 alleys inside 16th-century walls, more than 80 mosques, and houses with colorful painted walls.
Jugol is the old town of Harar. It is surrounded by roughly 3.5 km of walls built in the 16th century by Emir Nur, which originally had five gates (now six). Inside the walls are about 80 mosques and more than a hundred saints' tombs. The largest is the Jami Mosque, built in the 16th century, whose twin minarets are the landmark of the old town. Non-Muslims generally cannot enter. The alleys are narrow and winding, and the walls are painted in bright shades of blue, green, and pink. Traditional Harari houses (Gey Gar) have multi-tiered step seating in their living rooms, with walls hung with colorful woven baskets and enamel plates. You can ask a guide to arrange a visit to a home (for a fee). It's best to hire a licensed local guide for a half-day walk through the mosques, saints' tombs, markets, and craft workshops. Entry to the old town is free. It's safe to wander during the day, but at night it's better to go with a companion.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Tomb of Emir Nur
- Arthur Rimbaud House
- Sherif Harar City Museum (Ras Tafari's House)
- Medhane Alem Cathedral & Feres Megala
- Gidir Magala & Old Town Markets
- Harar Gate
- Harar Hyena Feeding
- Harar Brewery