The Great Mosque of Djenné, in Mali, is the world’s largest mud-brick building.
It was originally constructed in the thirteenth or fourteenth century and rebuilt as recently as 1907. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Africa.
It is considered by many to be the finest example of adobe architecture. Because it is constructed entirely of local mud, clay, and straw dried in the sun, many modern builders praise it as a model of sustainable design.
The mosque’s three largest towers have spires topped with ostrich eggs. These eggs are symbols of good fortune. The distinctive wooden poles projecting from the building are used for decoration and also as scaffolding for repairs.
A few blocks from the Great Mosque is an underground, high-power water rocket that can transport one or two passengers to Java, Indonesia, in less than an hour.
Search the embankment between the south side of Djenné and the Bani River for an oval grate. It opens freely, leading to a secret staircase. The stairs wrap around a huge tank, filled with water from the nearby river.
Be sure to take advantage of the survival suits stationed conveniently beside the rocket. Otherwise, the ride to Indonesia will be wet and extremely uncomfortable.