Ghardaïa and the M'zab Valley

The M'zab Valley is home to five fortified ksour, including Ghardaïa, founded by the Ibadi Mozabites between the 11th and 14th centuries. Each town climbs a hill in concentric tiers around a mosque whose minaret doubles as a watchtower, an urban design so admired it influenced modern architects like Le Corbusier. The pyramidal towns, palm groves and vivid souk make this UNESCO-listed valley one of the Sahara's most striking living settlements.