Libya’s Old Town of Ghadamès Shines Like a Pearl in The Western Desert

Rising from the sand dunes of the Libyan desert, the old town of Ghadamès emerges amidst abundant, lush palm trees. Nestled in an oasis 600 km southwest of Tripoli, near Libya’s border with Algeria, this ancient town has stood since prehistoric times. 

Known as “the Pearl of the Desert,” Ghadamès was once the location of a Roman garrison, established in 19 BC. Today, it remains one of the oldest pre-Saharan cities, exemplifying the beauty of traditional domestic architecture. 

For over 2,000 years, the old town of Ghadamès has served as a crossroads for major cultures across Africa and the Mediterranean, playing a vital role in the trans-Saharan trade network. 

Within the city, the remarkable urban structure and medieval traditions of mud architecture and handicrafts have survived intact to this day. However, the delicate balance between the town’s natural, urban, and architectural features makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in water supply, humidity, temperature, agriculture, the built environment, and population size. 

Encircled by fortress-like walls, Ghadamès’ roughly circular layout is safeguarded by this external fortified structure. Inside, the two-story dwellings showcase a perfect fusion of form and function, offering privacy and gender segregation while maintaining effective communication within the community. 

Walking through the ground-level passageways reveals a bustling hub of warehousing and business activity, while the first-floor slabs above create cool, shaded pathways that protect pedestrians from the desert sun. These elevated spaces serve as the family living quarters, and the flat roofs, adorned with high parapets, interconnect to form continuous terraces. Reserved for women and children, these upper-level terraces provide a sense of seclusion while keeping the inhabitants connected to the entire town. 

The Old Town of Ghadamès has preserved its authenticity by retaining its original design, reflecting the community’s commitment to safeguarding its urban and architectural heritage, which continues to inspire modern housing designs beyond the historic area. 

Today, the old town, along with its monuments, archaeological sites, and natural and cultural heritage, is legally protected by the General People’s Congress. This protection is further ensured through collaboration among local authorities, development partners, and the Department of Antiquities.