Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad
Location: M'Sila Province, Algeria
Year of Inscription: 1980
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history; (v) be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
Overview: Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad is an ancient fortified city located in the M'Sila Province of Algeria. It was built in the 11th century and served as the first capital of the Hammadid dynasty. The city was abandoned in the 12th century, and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Prominent Features: The Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad is a well-preserved example of Islamic architecture and urban planning. The city covers an area of approximately 200 hectares and is surrounded by fortified walls. The city features several notable structures, including a mosque, a palace, and a number of residential buildings. The mosque is one of the most impressive structures in the city and features a large courtyard and a minaret. The palace was the residence of the Hammadid rulers and is characterized by its ornate decoration and impressive size.
History: The Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad was built in the 11th century by the Hammadid dynasty. The city served as the first capital of the dynasty and was an important center of commerce and Islamic scholarship. The city was abandoned in the 12th century due to a combination of political instability, economic decline, and environmental factors, such as drought and soil erosion.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad offers a unique opportunity for families to explore the history and culture of Algeria. Visitors can take a guided tour of the city and learn about its architecture, urban planning, and history. The site also offers opportunities for hiking and picnicking, and there are several restaurants and cafes nearby where visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack.
Fun Fact: The Hammadid dynasty was known for its patronage of the arts and sciences, and the city of Al Qal'a was home to several prominent scholars, including the poet Abu Tammam and the historian Ibn Khaldun.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee is 200 DZD (around 1.2 USD) per person.
How to Reach it: Here are some ways to reach the Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad:
By Car: The site is located approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Algiers. Visitors can take the N5 highway to M'Sila and then follow the signs to the site.
By Bus: You can take a bus from Algiers Bus Station to M'Sila Bus Station. The bus journey takes around 4 hours and there are several daily departures. You can check the bus schedules and fares on the website of the Algerian bus company ETUSA: https://www.etusa.dz/fr/horaires
By Train: Take a train from Algiers Central Station to M'Sila Train Station. The train journey takes around 3 hours and there are several daily departures. You can check the train schedules and fares on the website of the Algerian railway company SNTF: https://www.sntf.dz/fr/horaires
Once you arrive at M'Sila Train Station or Bus Station, you can take a taxi or a shared minibus to Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad. The journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic and the mode of transportation. To take a taxi, you can hire a private taxi from the station or hail a taxi from the street. The fare is negotiable but it should be around 1000-1500 DZD (around 6-9 USD) for a one-way trip to the archaeological site.
Where to Stay: As the Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad is a historical site and not a modern city, there are no accommodations available within the site. Visitors can stay in the nearby city of M'Sila, which is about 37 kilometers away from the site. There are several options for accommodations in M'Sila, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. Some popular options include Hotel El Bahia, Hotel Palace M'Sila, and Hotel El Mountazah.
Next Stop: Djémila
Djémila is located about 35 km northwest of the city of Sétif in Algeria. If you are starting your journey from M'sila, which is located approximately 150 km south of Djémila, you can follow these instructions to reach the ancient Roman ruins by public transport:
Year of Inscription: 1980
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history; (v) be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
Overview: Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad is an ancient fortified city located in the M'Sila Province of Algeria. It was built in the 11th century and served as the first capital of the Hammadid dynasty. The city was abandoned in the 12th century, and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Prominent Features: The Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad is a well-preserved example of Islamic architecture and urban planning. The city covers an area of approximately 200 hectares and is surrounded by fortified walls. The city features several notable structures, including a mosque, a palace, and a number of residential buildings. The mosque is one of the most impressive structures in the city and features a large courtyard and a minaret. The palace was the residence of the Hammadid rulers and is characterized by its ornate decoration and impressive size.
History: The Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad was built in the 11th century by the Hammadid dynasty. The city served as the first capital of the dynasty and was an important center of commerce and Islamic scholarship. The city was abandoned in the 12th century due to a combination of political instability, economic decline, and environmental factors, such as drought and soil erosion.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad offers a unique opportunity for families to explore the history and culture of Algeria. Visitors can take a guided tour of the city and learn about its architecture, urban planning, and history. The site also offers opportunities for hiking and picnicking, and there are several restaurants and cafes nearby where visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack.
Fun Fact: The Hammadid dynasty was known for its patronage of the arts and sciences, and the city of Al Qal'a was home to several prominent scholars, including the poet Abu Tammam and the historian Ibn Khaldun.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee is 200 DZD (around 1.2 USD) per person.
How to Reach it: Here are some ways to reach the Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad:
By Car: The site is located approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Algiers. Visitors can take the N5 highway to M'Sila and then follow the signs to the site.
By Bus: You can take a bus from Algiers Bus Station to M'Sila Bus Station. The bus journey takes around 4 hours and there are several daily departures. You can check the bus schedules and fares on the website of the Algerian bus company ETUSA: https://www.etusa.dz/fr/horaires
By Train: Take a train from Algiers Central Station to M'Sila Train Station. The train journey takes around 3 hours and there are several daily departures. You can check the train schedules and fares on the website of the Algerian railway company SNTF: https://www.sntf.dz/fr/horaires
Once you arrive at M'Sila Train Station or Bus Station, you can take a taxi or a shared minibus to Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad. The journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic and the mode of transportation. To take a taxi, you can hire a private taxi from the station or hail a taxi from the street. The fare is negotiable but it should be around 1000-1500 DZD (around 6-9 USD) for a one-way trip to the archaeological site.
Where to Stay: As the Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad is a historical site and not a modern city, there are no accommodations available within the site. Visitors can stay in the nearby city of M'Sila, which is about 37 kilometers away from the site. There are several options for accommodations in M'Sila, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. Some popular options include Hotel El Bahia, Hotel Palace M'Sila, and Hotel El Mountazah.
Next Stop: Djémila
Djémila is located about 35 km northwest of the city of Sétif in Algeria. If you are starting your journey from M'sila, which is located approximately 150 km south of Djémila, you can follow these instructions to reach the ancient Roman ruins by public transport:
- Bus: From M'sila, you can take a bus to the city of Sétif, which is the closest major city to Djémila. There are regular bus services between M'sila and Sétif, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. From the bus station in Sétif, you can take a shared taxi to Djémila. The journey from Sétif to Djémila by shared taxi takes about 45 minutes.
- Train: Alternatively, you can take a train from M'sila to Sétif. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, and there are several trains running daily between the two cities. From the train station in Sétif, you can take a shared taxi to Djémila. The journey from Sétif to Djémila by shared taxi takes about 45 minutes.
- Private car: If you prefer to travel by car, you can hire a taxi or rent a car from M'sila to Djémila. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, and you can enjoy the scenic views of the Atlas Mountains along the way.