About
Harar Jugol, also known as the Fortified Historic Town of Harar or Harar Old Town, is a walled town in the Harari Region of Ethiopia. It is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is regarded as the fourth holy city of Islam.
What to see
The old town sits within ancient defensive walls, and inside them the streets are dense with religious buildings. The town is known for its 82 mosques and 102 shrines, so a walk through the old quarter is largely a walk among places of worship, each set into the lanes and courtyards of the town.
What kind of visit it makes
Harar Jugol suits travellers interested in history, architecture and living heritage. Visits tend to be slow and on foot, moving through the narrow streets within the walls and taking in the mosques and shrines at your own pace. Because the town is a place of worship as well as a historic site, it is worth dressing modestly and being mindful of people at prayer.
- Walk the old town inside the ancient walls.
- Visit the mosques and shrines that give the town its religious character.
- Explore the town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at a relaxed pace.
Planning your trip
Harar is in the Harari Region of Ethiopia, and the old town is its historic core. For up-to-date information on visiting, you can contact the site by telephone at +251-256-666001. Allow time to wander without a fixed route, since the appeal of the town lies in its streets and the religious life visible within them.