Ghadames

Because of the unusual structure that the town had, the arabs called this unique settlement as "Pearl of the Desert". As such, the ancient Cydamae played a key role on the trans-saharan commerce. The masterpiece of the ancient libyan architectonic art was very well protected by walls and towers, and composed by small and irregular rows of houses located near to a palm garden. The external walls of the houses form the protective wall, whose entrance had a guardhouse. All the dwellings had three floors and were linked together by terraces.

Some information about Ghadames

The Mzab Valley

This valley is inhabited since immemorial times by nomad berbers and members of the zanata tribes. Probably the very name Mzab derives from the name of the first muslim berber, Beni Mesaab. The muslims built here the first town in 1014, calling it El Atteuf. The five towns that were built later in this place possesed a similar urbanization: the mosque has been always built on the top of a hill, and the houses around it. Outside the ksour, name thet the berbers give to their fortresses, extend exuberant palm gardens provided with a sophisticated irrigation system.

Some information about Ghardaia town