Atlas of Wonder
Old Town of Ghadamès — illustrated travel poster

Libya · Arab States

Old Town of Ghadamès

Ghadamès, known as 'the pearl of the desert', stands in an oasis

The Story

Ghadamès, known as 'the pearl of the desert', stands in an oasis. It is one of the oldest pre-Saharan cities and an outstanding example of a traditional settlement. Its domestic architecture is characterized by a vertical division of functions: the ground floor used to store supplies; then another floor for the family, overhanging covered alleys that create what is almost an un