Ouadane
Ouadane
Arabic: وادان | |
|---|---|
Commune and town | |
Old tower, Ouadane | |
| Coordinates: 20°55′N 11°37′W / 20.917°N 11.617°W | |
| Country | Mauritania |
| Region | Adrar Region |
| Area | |
• Total | 118,210 km2 (45,640 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 407 m (1,335 ft) |
| Population (2023 census) | |
• Total | 3,833 |
| • Density | 0.032/km2 (0.084/sq mi) |
| Official name | Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | iii, iv, v |
| Designated | 1996 (20th session) |
| Reference no. | 750 |
| Region | Arab States |
Ouadane or Wādān (Arabic: وادان) is a small town in the desert region of central Mauritania, situated on the southern edge of the Adrar Plateau, 93 kilometres (58 mi) northeast of Chinguetti. The town was a staging post in the trans-Saharan trade and for caravans transporting slabs of salt from the mines at Idjil.
The old town, a World Heritage Site, though in ruins, is still substantially intact, while a small modern settlement lies outside its gate.
Ouadane is the closest town to the Richat Structure, a massive circular landmark visible from space.
The whole Ouadane commune has a total size of 118,210 square kilometres (45,640 sq mi), mostly consisting of desert. The main town is located in the south-west of the commune.