The Old Town of Ghadames (Arabic: مدينة غدامس القديمة) is the old part of the modern city of Ghadames, Libya. It is one of Libya's important desert cities. Known as the "Jewel of the Desert," the place was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Urban Layout and Architecture

The old city of Ghadames is a closely packed settlement near an oasis, built on the high edge of a dry riverbed. This location helped protect the city naturally. The city's design shows how people adapted to the hot desert climate and reflects the way people lived together in groups. Historically, the city was divided into seven main areas called mahallas: Tesku, Ait Welid, Ait Waziten, Ait Mazigh, Ait Ouligh, Ait Fersan, and Ait Darar. The connected layout of the city helped provide shade, save space, and make it harder for enemies to attack.

The city was surrounded by a strong wall with several gates, including the main gates named Bab al-Burr, Bab al-Fars, and Bab al-Atshan. The city's narrow, winding streets and covered paths made it difficult for invaders to move quickly or find their way through.

A key feature of Ghadames is its two-level street system, which separated movement by gender. Ground-level Passages: At the bottom, a network of covered, dimly lit alleys called sabat were the main paths used by men. Rooftop Terraces: Above these alleys, open-air rooftops connected the homes. These rooftops were used only by women, allowing them to travel across the city, visit neighbors, and socialize without being seen by men.

Houses in Ghadames are usually four stories tall and built with local materials like mud bricks, limestone, and palm wood for strength and roofing. Each level of the homes had a specific purpose: The bottom floor stored supplies. The first floor was where families lived, often centered around a main room called the wast ad-dar. The upper floors and rooftops were used for daily activities and socializing, especially by women. Thick mud-brick walls kept the homes cool during the day and warm at night. Open areas and light wells were placed to let in air and light throughout the homes.