World Heritage Site:
Old Town of Ghadamès
Publication Year:
2025
Publication Type:
Conference paper
Publication Identifier:
WHE09A337050B
Summary
Ghadamès, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Libya's Fezzan region, exemplifies the extreme expression of Mediterranean architectural heritage. Unlike typical Mediterranean cities, Ghadamès' urban fabric is defined by compactness and minimal open spaces, driven not only by climate but also by the need to preserve agricultural land for food production in this water-scarce oasis environment. The city's architecture further distinguishes itself through its innovative reuse of archaeological spolia, demonstrating a high level of attention to both public and private space quality. This study highlights Ghadamès as a critical case study, illustrating how Mediterranean architectural principles can adapt to extreme environmental constraints while sustaining cultural continuity.
Citation
Micara, L. (2025). Patrimoni Architettonici Mediterranei. Un caso limite: la città-oasi di Ghadames (Libia). PROCEEDINGS of the International Conference on Fortifications of the Mediterranean Coast FORTMED 2025. Vol. 19, 625–632. https://doi.org/10.4995/fortmed2025.2025.20305