Overview:

Beni Hammad Fort is located in the town of M’Sila in Algeria. It is an old castle dating back to the 11th century, and is one of the oldest and most important architectural sites in Algeria. The castle is noted for its unique mixture of styles, combining European, Arabic, and nearby countries' influences into a fascinating blend. Beni Hammad Fort consists of three main elements; a large gate, a siege tower, and a group of buildings, all of which are surrounded by ramparts. The gate is decorated with remarkable Islamic inscriptions, and the entrance leads to a large courtyard, with several pools and even a mosque. The fort also houses a large collection of defense structures, such as embrasures, secret passageways, and a 5-meter tall (16.4 ft.) defensive wall. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Algeria
Prominent Features:

The historic Beni Hammad Fort is a stunning sight located in the city of M'Sila in Algeria. Built in 1053 AD, this structure was the first capital city of Almoravid dynasty in the Maghreb. It is located on the top of a hill and includes a well-preserved mosque, palace and gardens. The fort is spread across and up the hillside, encompassing numerous buildings, terraces and open spaces. The breathtaking views from the top of the fort make it a popular tourist destination. The fort also houses a mosque, palaces, a hammam (traditional bath) and a library. The ruins are a reminder of the old days of the rulers of Algeria. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Algeria.

History:

The Beni Hammad Fort, or Qal'at Beni Hammad, is an 11th-century fortress located on the top of a large hill in the M'Sila province of eastern Algeria. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad", and is one of the most impressive hill forts in North Africa. Built in the year 1007 as the capital of the Hammadid dynasty, the fort was initially used as the seat of power for their rulers, and was seen as a symbol of stability in the region. The large fortress had an unusually advanced and detailed layout for this time, with two cleverly disguised outworks protecting the citadel, an inner ring of walls, and a central two-story palace. It contained mosques, a library, palace rooms, workshops, and multiple levels of defense. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the fort was at the center of a powerful emirate which attracted many scholars, artisans, and craftsmen to its walls, making it an integral part of the region's cultural identity. Unfortunately, Beni Hammad fell during the Almohad invasion of the 1200s and the fortress was largely destroyed in the struggle for control. Although the fort was eventually abandoned in the 1300s, it was restored in the late 20th century and is now a popular tourist destination for those interested in its history. Visitors can explore the fortress and marvel at the sophisticated architecture of the palace, as well as learn more about the fascinating culture and lifestyle of the ancient Hammadids. Many of the original features are still in tact within the fortress walls, including ancient baths, kitchens, buildings, and a library. Visit one of the famous monuments of Algeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Beni Hammad Fort is the oldest of four Algerian citadels built in the 11th century. 2. The fort is built on the edge of a plateau overlooking a ravine, making it almost unassailable. 3. It was built by the Hammadid emir, Bani Hammad ibn Buluggin, as a defensive structure to protect his autonomous state from the incursions of the unruly Berber tribal confederations. 4. It was constructed from adobe, rammed earth, wood, and limestone and featured four large towers, two gates, and a network of hidden tunnels and passageways. 5. The fort was besieged by Abu Tashfin, the founder of the Almohads dynasty, in 1152, but it was not until 1160 that the Emir was forced to surrender and it was taken over by the Almohads and turned into their regional military headquarters. 6. It was abandoned in the 12th century, but was later reoccupied by the Ottoman Turks during their occupation of Algeria from 16th-19th centuries. 7. In the 1880s, the French removed large portions of the structure to build roads, leaving much of the fortress in ruins. 8. The site was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. 9. Today, the ruins of the fort are preserved and open to visitors interested in the history of the region. One of the historical monuments of Algeria, it tells the story of a bygone era