Ghoufi, Archaeological site in Batna Province, Algeria
Ghoufi is an archaeological site with six preserved villages built into the cliff face of the Aures Mountains: Hitesla, Idharene, Ath Mimoune, Ath Yahia, Ath Mansour, and Taouriret. The canyon stretches about four kilometers and features vertical cliffs around 200 meters (656 feet) high along the Abiod River.
The settlement dates to the 14th century when the Chaouia people built multi-story dwellings carved directly into the cliff walls of the Aures Mountains. This building method provided shelter from harsh mountain weather while adapting to the challenging terrain.
The traditional Berber architecture uses local stone, regional mortar, and palm tree trunks for multi-story dwellings called taqliaths. As you walk through, you notice how the buildings fit perfectly into the cliff face and have been modified by families over time.
The site is accessible through marked paths that connect the six villages. You should be prepared for uneven terrain, steep steps, and changing light conditions, especially when exploring the dark interiors of the old houses.
The canyon walls show visible geological layers that reveal the region's earth history. What stands out is that people lived in these dwellings until the 1970s, so the rooms still have the feel of actual homes rather than empty ruins.
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