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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mali
World Heritage Mali · UNESCO sites in Mali map · historical landmarks in Mali
Mali has 4 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List — 3 cultural and 1 mixed inscriptions, inscribed between 1988 and 2004. This map of UNESCO sites in Mali covers every listing, with a short description, the inscription year and the nearest airports — the fastest way to see the country's most important historical sites and landmarks in one place.
Old Towns of Djenné was the country's first inscription, added in 1988; Tomb of Askia is the most recent, listed in 2004; recurring threads across the list include ancient civilizations and sacred places.
Start with Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons), Old Towns of Djenné and Timbuktu, then use the map above to plan a route between the rest.
- Sites
- 4
- Cultural
- 3
- Mixed
- 1
- First inscribed
- 1988
Sites on the map
Flying in
Airports closest to the most sites in this country.
- MZISévaré2 sites
- TOMTimbuktu1 site
- GAQGao1 site
Keep exploring
All 4 sites in Mali
List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mali
Every inscription with its year and category. Open a site for its story, map location and nearest airports.
| Site | Year | Type | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons)The Bandiagara site is an outstanding landscape of cliffs and sandy plateaux with some beautiful architecture. | 1989 | Mixed | The Bandiagara site is an outstanding landscape of cliffs and sandy plateaux with some beautiful architecture. |
| Old Towns of DjennéInhabited since 250 B. | 1988 | Cultural | Inhabited since 250 B. |
| TimbuktuHome of the prestigious Koranic Sankore University and other madrasas, Timbuktu was an intellectual and spiritual capita. | 1988 | Cultural | Home of the prestigious Koranic Sankore University and other madrasas, Timbuktu was an intellectual and spiritual capita. |
| Tomb of AskiaThe dramatic 17-m pyramidal structure of the Tomb of Askia was built by Askia Mohamed, the Emperor of Songhai,. | 2004 | Cultural | The dramatic 17-m pyramidal structure of the Tomb of Askia was built by Askia Mohamed, the Emperor of Songhai,. |
Frequently asked questions about World Heritage in Mali
- How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in Mali?
- Mali has 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 3 cultural and 1 mixed.
- What was the first World Heritage Site in Mali?
- Old Towns of Djenné was inscribed in 1988. Inhabited since 250 B.
- What is the newest World Heritage Site in Mali?
- Tomb of Askia, inscribed in 2004. The dramatic 17-m pyramidal structure of the Tomb of Askia was built by Askia Mohamed, the Emperor of Songhai,.
- Which UNESCO sites in Mali are easiest to reach?
- Each site page lists the closest airports with distance, so you can pick the gateway city first and work outwards. The "Flying in" panel on this page shows the main gateways for Mali.
- What are the main historical sites and landmarks in Mali?
- The 4 UNESCO-listed sites above are Mali's internationally recognised historical sites and landmarks, starting with Old Towns of Djenné (1988). Each entry links to a full page with a map, photos and travel notes.