Ouadane is a historic city located in the western part of Mauritania, near the border with Western Sahara. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its well-preserved examples of Islamic architecture and urban planning.

 

The city was founded in the 11th century as a trading center for salt and gold, and it reached its peak in the 14th and 15th centuries, when it was an important center of Islamic scholarship and culture. The city's historic architecture reflects its rich cultural heritage, with examples of traditional Saharan building techniques, including the use of adobe brick and palm wood. One of the most notable landmarks in Ouadane is the ancient Ksar, which is a fortified citadel that served as the center of the city's social and economic life. The Ksar includes a mosque, a market, and a number of residential buildings, all constructed from local materials. Today, Ouadane is a small, quiet city, with a population of around 1,000 people.

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Oudane is the gate to every visit to the nearby Richat Structure, a prominent circular feature in the Sahara desert.