"Gharian" Gharyan by Luchonda

Gharyan Travel Guide: 2 reviews and 14 photos

Gharian villages

In the past the inhabitants of the region lived in troglodyte dwellings, some of which can still be seen and visited today. These traditional houses are not caves, but rooms that have been excavated from the compact red clay-rich soils. A sloping tunnel descends to an open courtyard in a 8 to 10 meter deep pit. Rooms are then excavated radially out from this courtyard. ( All depending on the family ) Its form provides natural air-conditioning, both in summer and in winter.

Qasr al-Haj

The deposit box of the berbers

A must to visit showing how the berber tribes lived
The village of Qasr al-Haj has one of the best examples of Berber construction in Libya. The circular and completely enclosed fortified granary was built in the 2nd half of the 12 century. It is made from local rock and gypsum with palm trunk doors sealing the cool storage areas.

Last visit to Gharyan: Oct 2007
Intro Updated Nov 3, 2007
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Reviews (2)

The worst hotel in Libya for tourists Hotels (1)

I think an old Russian type of hotel, bad and unsafe accomodations, terrible toilets, bad food. But it seams to be the... more travel advice

Gharian - the troglodytes Things to Do (1)

Gharian, a village on my way from Tripoli to Ghadames. A village of pottery and underground houses. In the past the... more travel advice

Comments (5)

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JLBG Oct 11, 2008 at 9:45 PM

Excellent page! Gharyan troglodyte dwellings look almost like Tunisia's Matmata, not very far away (400 km) as the crow flies!
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VeronicaG Nov 30, 2007 at 9:05 AM

Gharyan looks like it would have been interesting to explore--the troglodyte home for sure!
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MalenaN Nov 30, 2007 at 8:46 AM

Gharyan sounds to be an interesting place. If the hotel was very cheap it doesn't look too bad.
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Nemorino Nov 29, 2007 at 3:51 AM

Hi Luc, you've certainly been to some very interesting places. Cheers, Don
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Bwana_Brown Nov 25, 2007 at 12:43 PM

Those troglodyte dwellings are fantastic - they actually look very comfortable! Better than your hotel from the sound of things.