Ghardaia

Part of a pentapolis, Ghardaia is in fact only one of five hilltop cities built almost a thousand years ago in the M’Zab valley. The city is located within the Sahara Desert in northern-central Algeria. The residents have preserved the original medieval architecture remarkably well; the valley to which Ghardaïa belongs is part of an official World Heritage Site. The city is called "the pearl of the oasis" and is one of the most important tourist regions in southern Algeria due to its ancient cultural heritage.

Apart from tourism, the Wilaya of Ghardaïa also draws anthropologists, architects, researchers, and historians to explore its rich cultural, anthropological, and architectural uniqueness. An interesting aspect of community welfare is the fact that they follow the rules of governance diligently, and also contribute to the maintenance and care of the community. Serving as a major center of date production and for the manufacture of rugs and cloths, Ghardaia is an enchanting experience for all the senses. Divided into three walled sectors, this unique and charming fortified town boasts a historic center, complete with an intriguing pyramid-style mosque. Once described by the French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir as “a cubist painting beautifully constructed”, Ghardaia deservedly makes the list of the most beautiful places to visit in Algeria.

Location: Ghardaia Province, Algeria

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