Visit the cultural landscape of the ancient Kano wall

The Ancient Kano City Walls were ancient defensive walls built to protect the inhabitants of the ancient city of Kano. The wall was initially built from 1095 through 1134 and completed in the middle of the 14th century. The Ancient Kano City Walls were described as "the most impressive monument in West Africa.

The Ancient Kano City Walls are made up of Dala hill where it was founded, the Kurmi market and the Emir?s Palace.

The Ancient Kano City Walls originally had an estimated height of 30 to 50 ft and about 40 ft thick at the base with 15 gates around it. 

The ancient Kano city walls were built in order to provide security to the growing population. The foundation for the construction of the wall was laid by Sakri Gijimasu from 1095 - 1134 and was completed in the middle of 14th Century during the reign of Zamnagawa. In the 16th century, the walls were further extended to their present position. The gates are as old as the walls and were used to control the movement of people in and out of the city.

Ancient Kano City walls and associated sites are places of spiritual, historical and cultural significance. The site bears testimony to local craftsmanship and ingenuity as is evidenced in the materials used for the construction of the walls and palace. The ancient Kano city walls and associated sites are a cultural landscape that the people still pride themselves in.

The site can compare with other sites like Zaria city wall, Kufena archaeological site and Daura City wall all in the northern part of the country. Kano, right from its beginning, is a commercial town. This has helped in the rapid development of the city. It sprawls over a wide expanse of savannah land.

Although the city has long taken a modern cosmopolitan hue, relics of the city?s past as the hub for commercial activities during the trans-Saharan trade still remain. The real identity of Kano can best be felt in the old city area.

The mud houses with distinct Hausa local architectural dexterity, the narrow roads that were meant for only men and their domestic animals are still there.

The walls are among the major tourist attractions in the city; that probably explains why the state government in conjunction with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) is working towards making the walls World Heritage Site.

You should also check out this detailed travel guide to Kano. It contains everything you need to know to ensure you have an amazing stay in the city.

Here are 10 fun and exciting things that you would not hear about Kano often. When next you visit Kano, ensure you use this;

Top 10 things that are very important and you would not want to miss out on your next visit to Kano