October 22, 2025 • 13 mins
In the latest episode of the Global Treasures Podcast, learn about the history and travel tips for visiting Al Qa'la of Beni Hammad, an incredible UNESCO world heritage site located in Algeria.
Support our sponsors and affiliates at no extra cost to you!*
SIM: Airalo: https://airalo.tpk.mx/W0A5aWFu
Apple AirTags for Tracking Luggage: https://amzn.to/4exZTqe
Portable Chargers: https://amzn.to/4mn5gvC
Barvita (Code ABIGAILVACCA gets you 15% off your first order): https://barvita.co/?ref=ABIGAILVACCA
Connect with us on Social Media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093258132336
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globaltreasurespodcast?lang=en
*I may earn a minor commission
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Abigail (00:00):
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries.
Where culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
(00:23):
the history, travel, tips, andlegends surrounding one of the 1,223
World Heritage sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal cultural or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
(00:44):
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to season three, wherewe'll explore the 27 sites that
UNESCO added in 1980 together.
Thank you for listening to the podcast.
We appreciate all of your supportand you can continue to support us
(01:06):
by subscribing at Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Podbean or any major platform.
You can also follow uson TikTok and Facebook.
Please share this podcast withyour friends and family who
love travel and history as well.
Word of mouth is so powerful.
Before we embark on our journeytogether, I just want to know that
(01:30):
there are multiple pronunciations andways of spelling the name of this site.
In case you do independent researchafter listening, I don't want that to
come as a surprise or confuse anyone.
The story of Al Qa'la of Beni Hammedbegins in the year 1007 when it
(01:51):
was built by Hammad ibn Buluggin.
Al Qa'la of Beni Hammad is afortified Muslim city located in
Algeria, a country in North Africa.
This historic site now in ruins oncestood as the first capital of the
(02:11):
Hammadid Dynasty in the 11th century.
Nestled among the Hodna Mountains at anelevation of over 4,600 feet, the site is
located approximately 140 miles southeastof Algiers, Algeria's current capital.
The city was a significant politicaland military center during its time,
(02:35):
designed to serve as both a strongholdand a vibrant hub of commerce.
Enclosed within a four mile long defensivewall were four residential complexes
and the biggest mosque in Algeria.
This mosque featured a minaret thatstood an impressive 66 feet high,
(02:58):
serving as a distinguished symbol ofIslamic architectural and religious life.
Excavations at Al Qa'la of BeniHammad have uncovered artifacts
including terracotta, which isclay-based pottery or sculptures.
Coins, jewels and ceramicshave also been uncovered.
(03:21):
Proof that this was a cosmopolitancivilization that thrived
under the Hammadid dynasty.
One of the most prominent discoverieswas the Emir's Palace, dar al-Bahr,
which translates to Palace orHouse of the Sea or Lake Palace.
(03:41):
To clarify the title, Emir refers to amale monarch or high ranking political
leader, and the Hammadid rulers usedAl Qa'la of Beni Hammad not only as
their position of power, but a token ofdomination in the medieval Islamic world.
The site's tactical locationand sturdy construction made
(04:05):
it a powerful military base.
But let us talk further aboutDar Al- Baher, which only
added to the city's grandeur.
It was located near the mosquewith the Eastern court being noted
as having a large water basin.
Water basins often served religiouspurposes for ablution, a ritual where one
(04:29):
cleanses themself before prayer in Islam.
However, it also may haveserved as drinking water.
Nestled in the northern part of thecourtyards was the main reception room
while the southern side held a domedhall and had outer walls with buttresses.
This massive complex included threeseparate residences, all skillfully
(04:54):
arranged around pavilions andlush gardens, as well as decor
fountains adorned with lion motifs.
These characteristics exhibit thearchitectural advancements of the period.
All the cultural and economicimportance helped shape the
long-term history of the region.
(05:15):
It's interesting to note thearchitectural style of the Hammadid's
was largely influenced by the Normanswho are Vikings, proof that cultures
have borrowed and learned from oneanother since the beginning of time.
Incredible wealth of resources dedicatedto the arts at Al Qa'la of Beni Hammad
(05:37):
turned the city into an energeticcultural center that drew in poets and
artists from across the Islamic world.
It wasn't just Royals who resided here,but soldiers and artisans as well.
All serving different functions.
Given the diversity of differenttypes of artists, it's no surprise
(06:00):
that the palaces were covered withrich adornments, featuring intricate
decorations that reflected bothluxury and artistic innovation.
Porcelain mosaics and pottery showcasinggeometric patterns were frequently seen
along with floral motifs that garnishthe interiors, offering a glance into the
(06:25):
ornamental sophistication of the Hammadid
Dynasty.
These artistic endeavors were not onlya testament to the city's success,
but also served as predecessors tolater evolution in Western Islamic
art, especially in the 12th century.
The mosque is the central feature withits prayer hall holding multiple aisles
(06:50):
and eight bays creating an extensivespiritual space that embodies holy
allegiance and architectural splendor.
The city rose to become the capital andagain, its strategic importance was what
allowed it to sustain a siege in 1017.
(07:10):
By 1090, just 73 years later, thefortress was abandoned due to the
looming threat of the Banu hilal,which was a confederation of tribes.
However, its eventual destructionin 1152 is attributed to the Almas.
(07:31):
The excavations at Alcala mentioned beforebegan in the year 1908, and continues
to draw experts within different fieldsof study to the region even today.
So now that we've covered thehistory, let's dive into travel tips
and logistics for those who plan onvisiting Al Qa'la of Beni Hammad.
(07:54):
You can check out the show notes forlinks and tools to help plan your trip
more efficiently at no extra cost to you.
So Algeria is actually thelargest country in Africa.
However, more than 80% of the countrylies dormant due to the Sahara Desert,
which has temperatures that reachover a hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
(08:17):
The Sahara is also home to some dangerousanimals, including the Sahara Viper and
spotted hyena that you probably don'twant to share your neighborhood with.
When determining the best time of year tovisit crowds don't need to be a concern
because this site only gets about athousand visitors on average each year.
(08:39):
As a result, weather might be your bestgauge if you don't have to schedule
around school related summer vacations.
While the temperatures won't be ashot as in the desert, the summer can
still get into the high nineties andagain, that's in degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, keep in mind that if you do goduring the summer months, you may want to
(09:03):
plan to visit Al Qa'la earlier in the day.
The tourist visa process for Algeriacan take a bit of time, and there are
requirements in terms of informationthat needs to be provided, so make
sure to walk through that processas far in advance as possible.
You also may want to considerdownloading a translation app or
(09:26):
purchasing a pocket phrase book.
Arabic is the official language, andyou'll find, especially in the less
populated areas, that English is notas widely spoken as in some countries.
You'll likely want to fly into HouariBoumediene International Airport, often
called Algiers International Airport.
(09:49):
It's about a three hour long drive awayfrom Al Qa'la, and I don't recommend
renting a car because while the cityroads have vastly improved, driving on
more rural roads could be problematic,especially if the car were to break
down and you don't know the language.
There's not a bus that goes directlybetween the site and Algiers either.
(10:13):
Also, typical rideshare options that wemay be accustomed to in North America
or Europe aren't available in Algeria.
And on this note, while I loveencouraging people to explore
and travel independently, this isanother site where it may be in
your best interest to book a tour.
(10:35):
The tour companies or independent tourguides often can help you navigate the
visa process, arrange transportationto and from the airport, and ensure
transportation to and from the site.
There are even UNESCO WorldHeritage Site specific tours that
take you to different sites withinthis region, which is very cool.
(10:58):
If you go independently, know thatyou'll pay a small fee at the entrance.
As with many of these sites, some ofthe buildings that stood historically
may only be remnants at this point.
You'll see much of the Minette, butagain, don't be disappointed because
the landscape itself is beautiful.
(11:20):
It's very picturesque.
So you'll probably findyourself taking lots of photos.
Be sure to bring portablechargers with you.
For those who have accessibilityneeds, this site does require
some walking on an incline.
Given there aren't many hotels in thearea, many choose to do a day trip
from Algiers despite the long drive,since the city has so much to do
(11:45):
and see, there are lots of museums,cultural activities, and restaurants.
Speaking of restaurants, Iwant to end today's episode
by talking about the cuisine.
The bulk of the dishes include ameat such as lamb, often marinated.
Usually it's served with couscous.
(12:07):
This is steamed semolina and is frequentlyreferred to as the national dish.
It's much like rice, butwith a different texture.
One dessert that is a standout anddefinitely worth trying is creponet.
This is a sweet sorbet that originatedin a coastal city in Algeria.
(12:29):
It's made with lemon, sugarand egg whites typically.
The texture is a mix between theiciness, usually associated with
sorbet and soft serve ice cream.
But you'll have deliciousoptions no matter where you go
or what foods you decide to try.
Through its commitment to culture anddesign, Al Qa'la of Beni Hammad served
(12:55):
as a metropolis that left an enduringlegacy that would influence Islamic
art and architecture for generations.
This property may be vulnerableto weathering and time, but it's
a place of extraordinary beautythat future generations can
(13:15):
continue to enjoy and appreciate.
Join us for our next episode,where we'll uncover yet another
incredible world heritage site.
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries.
Where culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
(00:23):
the history, travel, tips, andlegends surrounding one of the 1,223
World Heritage sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal cultural or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
(00:44):
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to season three, wherewe'll explore the 27 sites that
UNESCO added in 1980 together.
Thank you for listening to the podcast.
We appreciate all of your supportand you can continue to support us
(01:06):
by subscribing at Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Podbean or any major platform.
You can also follow uson TikTok and Facebook.
Please share this podcast withyour friends and family who
love travel and history as well.
Word of mouth is so powerful.
Before we embark on our journeytogether, I just want to know that
(01:30):
there are multiple pronunciations andways of spelling the name of this site.
In case you do independent researchafter listening, I don't want that to
come as a surprise or confuse anyone.
The story of Al Qa'la of Beni Hammedbegins in the year 1007 when it
(01:51):
was built by Hammad ibn Buluggin.
Al Qa'la of Beni Hammad is afortified Muslim city located in
Algeria, a country in North Africa.
This historic site now in ruins oncestood as the first capital of the
(02:11):
Hammadid Dynasty in the 11th century.
Nestled among the Hodna Mountains at anelevation of over 4,600 feet, the site is
located approximately 140 miles southeastof Algiers, Algeria's current capital.
The city was a significant politicaland military center during its time,
(02:35):
designed to serve as both a strongholdand a vibrant hub of commerce.
Enclosed within a four mile long defensivewall were four residential complexes
and the biggest mosque in Algeria.
This mosque featured a minaret thatstood an impressive 66 feet high,
(02:58):
serving as a distinguished symbol ofIslamic architectural and religious life.
Excavations at Al Qa'la of BeniHammad have uncovered artifacts
including terracotta, which isclay-based pottery or sculptures.
Coins, jewels and ceramicshave also been uncovered.
(03:21):
Proof that this was a cosmopolitancivilization that thrived
under the Hammadid dynasty.
One of the most prominent discoverieswas the Emir's Palace, dar al-Bahr,
which translates to Palace orHouse of the Sea or Lake Palace.
(03:41):
To clarify the title, Emir refers to amale monarch or high ranking political
leader, and the Hammadid rulers usedAl Qa'la of Beni Hammad not only as
their position of power, but a token ofdomination in the medieval Islamic world.
The site's tactical locationand sturdy construction made
(04:05):
it a powerful military base.
But let us talk further aboutDar Al- Baher, which only
added to the city's grandeur.
It was located near the mosquewith the Eastern court being noted
as having a large water basin.
Water basins often served religiouspurposes for ablution, a ritual where one
(04:29):
cleanses themself before prayer in Islam.
However, it also may haveserved as drinking water.
Nestled in the northern part of thecourtyards was the main reception room
while the southern side held a domedhall and had outer walls with buttresses.
This massive complex included threeseparate residences, all skillfully
(04:54):
arranged around pavilions andlush gardens, as well as decor
fountains adorned with lion motifs.
These characteristics exhibit thearchitectural advancements of the period.
All the cultural and economicimportance helped shape the
long-term history of the region.
(05:15):
It's interesting to note thearchitectural style of the Hammadid's
was largely influenced by the Normanswho are Vikings, proof that cultures
have borrowed and learned from oneanother since the beginning of time.
Incredible wealth of resources dedicatedto the arts at Al Qa'la of Beni Hammad
(05:37):
turned the city into an energeticcultural center that drew in poets and
artists from across the Islamic world.
It wasn't just Royals who resided here,but soldiers and artisans as well.
All serving different functions.
Given the diversity of differenttypes of artists, it's no surprise
(06:00):
that the palaces were covered withrich adornments, featuring intricate
decorations that reflected bothluxury and artistic innovation.
Porcelain mosaics and pottery showcasinggeometric patterns were frequently seen
along with floral motifs that garnishthe interiors, offering a glance into the
(06:25):
ornamental sophistication of the Hammadid
Dynasty.
These artistic endeavors were not onlya testament to the city's success,
but also served as predecessors tolater evolution in Western Islamic
art, especially in the 12th century.
The mosque is the central feature withits prayer hall holding multiple aisles
(06:50):
and eight bays creating an extensivespiritual space that embodies holy
allegiance and architectural splendor.
The city rose to become the capital andagain, its strategic importance was what
allowed it to sustain a siege in 1017.
(07:10):
By 1090, just 73 years later, thefortress was abandoned due to the
looming threat of the Banu hilal,which was a confederation of tribes.
However, its eventual destructionin 1152 is attributed to the Almas.
(07:31):
The excavations at Alcala mentioned beforebegan in the year 1908, and continues
to draw experts within different fieldsof study to the region even today.
So now that we've covered thehistory, let's dive into travel tips
and logistics for those who plan onvisiting Al Qa'la of Beni Hammad.
(07:54):
You can check out the show notes forlinks and tools to help plan your trip
more efficiently at no extra cost to you.
So Algeria is actually thelargest country in Africa.
However, more than 80% of the countrylies dormant due to the Sahara Desert,
which has temperatures that reachover a hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
(08:17):
The Sahara is also home to some dangerousanimals, including the Sahara Viper and
spotted hyena that you probably don'twant to share your neighborhood with.
When determining the best time of year tovisit crowds don't need to be a concern
because this site only gets about athousand visitors on average each year.
(08:39):
As a result, weather might be your bestgauge if you don't have to schedule
around school related summer vacations.
While the temperatures won't be ashot as in the desert, the summer can
still get into the high nineties andagain, that's in degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, keep in mind that if you do goduring the summer months, you may want to
(09:03):
plan to visit Al Qa'la earlier in the day.
The tourist visa process for Algeriacan take a bit of time, and there are
requirements in terms of informationthat needs to be provided, so make
sure to walk through that processas far in advance as possible.
You also may want to considerdownloading a translation app or
(09:26):
purchasing a pocket phrase book.
Arabic is the official language, andyou'll find, especially in the less
populated areas, that English is notas widely spoken as in some countries.
You'll likely want to fly into HouariBoumediene International Airport, often
called Algiers International Airport.
(09:49):
It's about a three hour long drive awayfrom Al Qa'la, and I don't recommend
renting a car because while the cityroads have vastly improved, driving on
more rural roads could be problematic,especially if the car were to break
down and you don't know the language.
There's not a bus that goes directlybetween the site and Algiers either.
(10:13):
Also, typical rideshare options that wemay be accustomed to in North America
or Europe aren't available in Algeria.
And on this note, while I loveencouraging people to explore
and travel independently, this isanother site where it may be in
your best interest to book a tour.
(10:35):
The tour companies or independent tourguides often can help you navigate the
visa process, arrange transportationto and from the airport, and ensure
transportation to and from the site.
There are even UNESCO WorldHeritage Site specific tours that
take you to different sites withinthis region, which is very cool.
(10:58):
If you go independently, know thatyou'll pay a small fee at the entrance.
As with many of these sites, some ofthe buildings that stood historically
may only be remnants at this point.
You'll see much of the Minette, butagain, don't be disappointed because
the landscape itself is beautiful.
(11:20):
It's very picturesque.
So you'll probably findyourself taking lots of photos.
Be sure to bring portablechargers with you.
For those who have accessibilityneeds, this site does require
some walking on an incline.
Given there aren't many hotels in thearea, many choose to do a day trip
from Algiers despite the long drive,since the city has so much to do
(11:45):
and see, there are lots of museums,cultural activities, and restaurants.
Speaking of restaurants, Iwant to end today's episode
by talking about the cuisine.
The bulk of the dishes include ameat such as lamb, often marinated.
Usually it's served with couscous.
(12:07):
This is steamed semolina and is frequentlyreferred to as the national dish.
It's much like rice, butwith a different texture.
One dessert that is a standout anddefinitely worth trying is creponet.
This is a sweet sorbet that originatedin a coastal city in Algeria.
(12:29):
It's made with lemon, sugarand egg whites typically.
The texture is a mix between theiciness, usually associated with
sorbet and soft serve ice cream.
But you'll have deliciousoptions no matter where you go
or what foods you decide to try.
Through its commitment to culture anddesign, Al Qa'la of Beni Hammad served
(12:55):
as a metropolis that left an enduringlegacy that would influence Islamic
art and architecture for generations.
This property may be vulnerableto weathering and time, but it's
a place of extraordinary beautythat future generations can
(13:15):
continue to enjoy and appreciate.
Join us for our next episode,where we'll uncover yet another
incredible world heritage site.
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.