Katsina Minaret

The 664 year old Gobarau Minaret is an architectural monument located in the heart of Katsina. It is believed to be the first multi-storey building in West Africa. Originally built as the central Mosque of Katsina town, it was also used as a watchtower to alert the city of any incoming attacks. Later, it was used also as a school. By the beginning of the 16th century, Katsina had become a very important commercial and academic center. The minaret was built by local craft men using mainly sun baked clay and mud. It was believed that the holy Ka’aba in Mecca could be sited from its top through the assistance of a Sait in the person of Wali Jodoma. This legend is still popular among Muslims in the State.