A fortified village of mud-brick and stone cascading down the rocky hillside above modern Taghit. The ksar was inhabited for centuries — its position on the cliff between the palm groves and the desert made it both defensible and close to water. It has been largely abandoned since the mid-20th century as residents moved to the newer town below, but the structure remains remarkably intact.
You can pick your way through the narrow alleys and vaulted passageways, climbing up through layers of rooms and courtyards. From the top, the views are spectacular: palm groves and gardens spread along the river valley on one side, and the towering dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental rise directly on the other. The ksar is one of the best-preserved examples of Saharan fortified architecture in western Algeria. No entrance fee; bring water and sturdy shoes.