Beni Add Ain Fezza Caves, Cave in Aïn Fezza, Algeria
Beni Add Ain Fezza Caves are a limestone cave system in Aïn Fezza, Algeria, made up of chambers and tunnels carved by water over a long period. The main chamber features a tall ceiling with hanging stalactites, while narrower passages connect to other rooms where mineral formations rise from the floor and walls.
The caves were known and used by local Berber communities long before they were opened to visitors, serving as shelter and storage. During the colonial period they were developed as a show cave, and in 1953 the French Army sealed part of the passages, believing a hidden route led toward Morocco.
The caves appear in local oral traditions, with stories of hidden treasures and secret passages passed down through generations. Marks on some walls suggest the space was used by people long before any formal visits began.
The ground inside is uneven and some sections are narrow, so sturdy footwear is essential and a flashlight is helpful in less-lit areas. It is best to visit on a dry day, as the rocky terrain around the entrance can become slippery when wet.
After a renovation that began in 2001, the old railings were replaced with wrought iron ones and a video surveillance system was installed before the caves reopened in 2006. Despite this, visitors have been known to climb over barriers and lean on stalagmites for photographs, causing damage to the formations.
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