Old Town of Ghadamès
Location: Nalut District of western Libya
Year of Inscription: 1986
Criteria: (v)to 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: The Old Town of Ghadamès is an oasis town located in the Libyan Desert. It is one of the oldest pre-Saharan cities and has been inhabited for over 2,000 years. The town is known for its distinctive architecture, which includes traditional white houses with triangular-shaped roofs and labyrinthine streets that provide shelter from the harsh desert sun.
Prominent Features: The Old Town of Ghadamès is known for its unique architecture, which has been adapted to the extreme desert climate. The town's buildings are made from sun-dried mud bricks, which help to keep them cool in the scorching heat. The town is also known for its traditional souks, or markets, which sell local handicrafts and goods.
History: The Old Town of Ghadamès has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. It was an important trading center on the trans-Saharan trade route and was known for its production of textiles and handicrafts. The town's unique architecture evolved in response to the extreme desert climate and was designed to provide shelter from the sun and wind.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the town's narrow streets and alleys, visit the traditional souks, and learn about local crafts and textiles. The town also hosts an annual cultural festival in July, which features traditional music, dance, and food.
Fun Fact: The Old Town of Ghadamès has been used as a filming location for several movies, including the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Old Town of Ghadamès.
How to Reach it: The Old Town of Ghadamès is located in a remote area of the Libyan Desert and can be difficult to reach. The nearest major city is Tripoli, which is located about 590 km to the north. Visitors can fly to Tripoli and then travel by car or bus to the town.
Where to Stay: Accommodation options in Ghadamès are limited, with most visitors staying in traditional guesthouses or camping in the desert. Some of the popular options include Dar Ghadamès, Dar Rihana, and the Desert Inn.
Next Stop: Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus
Year of Inscription: 1986
Criteria: (v)to 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: The Old Town of Ghadamès is an oasis town located in the Libyan Desert. It is one of the oldest pre-Saharan cities and has been inhabited for over 2,000 years. The town is known for its distinctive architecture, which includes traditional white houses with triangular-shaped roofs and labyrinthine streets that provide shelter from the harsh desert sun.
Prominent Features: The Old Town of Ghadamès is known for its unique architecture, which has been adapted to the extreme desert climate. The town's buildings are made from sun-dried mud bricks, which help to keep them cool in the scorching heat. The town is also known for its traditional souks, or markets, which sell local handicrafts and goods.
History: The Old Town of Ghadamès has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. It was an important trading center on the trans-Saharan trade route and was known for its production of textiles and handicrafts. The town's unique architecture evolved in response to the extreme desert climate and was designed to provide shelter from the sun and wind.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the town's narrow streets and alleys, visit the traditional souks, and learn about local crafts and textiles. The town also hosts an annual cultural festival in July, which features traditional music, dance, and food.
Fun Fact: The Old Town of Ghadamès has been used as a filming location for several movies, including the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Old Town of Ghadamès.
How to Reach it: The Old Town of Ghadamès is located in a remote area of the Libyan Desert and can be difficult to reach. The nearest major city is Tripoli, which is located about 590 km to the north. Visitors can fly to Tripoli and then travel by car or bus to the town.
Where to Stay: Accommodation options in Ghadamès are limited, with most visitors staying in traditional guesthouses or camping in the desert. Some of the popular options include Dar Ghadamès, Dar Rihana, and the Desert Inn.
Next Stop: Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus