Libya: Ghadames – Inside a Traditional House & Rooftops

Ghadames is amazing with its three tiers – the ground level of passageway, the second level of living quarters and the rooftops mostly reserved for women where everything is interconnected and you could go from one end of the city to another. Fist we explored a traditional Berber house on the second level (and were treated to a meal) – bursting with color and decorations. The interior of a Ghadames house is intricately designed for functionality, comfort, and aesthetics, with a focus on cooling and privacy. Floors are covered with woven palm mats and colorful rugs, and walls are adorned with whitewashed plaster, decorated with intricate geometric patterns and reflective materials like mirrors and metal to brighten the space. Walls have niches for storage, lined with colorful fabrics or ceramics and hand-painted patterns in red, black, and white. A staircase leads to the rooftops and allow for a full panoramic 360 view of the entire Ghadames city. Rooftops are flat, made of packed mud and palm beams, and enclosed by low parapet walls for safety. Rooftops were primarily used by women and children, forming a network of interconnected terraces across the entire old town.