The Ancient City of Kala Beni Hammad

Kala Beni Hammad is a unique ancient city located in the northern part of Algeria in the province of Msila. It was founded in 1007 and was originally used as a fortress. Until 1090, the city was the capital of the Hammadids. In 1152, Kala Beni Hammad was destroyed by Abd al-Mumin of the Almohad dynasty. In our time there are only ruins.

Since 1897, excavations of French and Algerian archaeologists have been actively conducted here, who discovered the remains of a signal tower, city walls, an extensive palace complex of the XI century, as well as a mosque with a minaret. The ancient palace includes the Dar el-Bahr ensemble with a huge pool and rich decor (marble, majolica, glass painting). In Kala Beni Hammad is a destroyed mosque with 13 naves and 8 rows, which is still one of the largest in the country.

This place is quite actively visited by tourists who want to enjoy the remains of ancient architecture.