Libya: Kasr Kabaw

Another spectacular desert kasr – Kasr Kabaw – a Berber hilltop village-fort and granary on the northern edge of the Tripolitanian Plateau in the Nafusa Mountains. This one is really old – estimated to be at least 700–900 years (11-12th centuries AD) – built to store oil, figs, wheat, and barley, protecting them from raiders and the harsh environment. Ksar Kabaw is a circular fort, 20m in diameter and 18m high, with 360 rooms across six floors, arranged around an open central courtyard. The multi-story design, is unique compared to other regional ksars in Libya and Tunisia. It is constructed from local stone, gypsum, and red mud, with palm trunks and olive branches used for roofing. A waterproof adobe layer protects against rodents, insects, and weather. Kabaw has been a key center for preserving Berber language, traditions, and architecture, even under various foreign rulers that came and went through here – Ottomans, French, Italians. Again, you are the only tourist here and you can explore the kasr, climb stairs, look into the chambers, and so on!