Pin as visited
Pin as planned
Photo of Beni Hammad fort
Pin Beni Hammad fortBeni Hammad fort
AlgeriaCountry
InfoPhotosVisited Planned

Beni Hammad Fort, also known as Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad, is a fortified palatine city located in the mountains of Algeria. It was built by the Hammadid dynasty in the 11th century and was their capital until the 12th century. The fort was constructed on a high rocky ridge, making it difficult to attack, and consisted of a palace, a mosque, and a number of other buildings. It was the first capital of the Hammadid dynasty before they moved their capital to Béjaïa.

The fort was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980 due to its unique architectural style, which combines military and residential architecture, and its historical significance. The fort is an example of the Islamic architecture that developed in the Maghreb during the medieval period. The ruins of the city are well preserved and include the remains of houses, public buildings, and defensive structures. Visitors can see the remains of the palace, which was the residence of the Hammadid emir, and the mosque, which has an unusual square minaret.

The fort was abandoned in the 12th century when the Hammadid dynasty moved their capital to Béjaïa, and it was subsequently destroyed. Today, the ruins of the fort are a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the site and learn about its history and architecture. The fort is located about 30 km southeast of the town of M'Sila, and can be reached by car or bus.