Berber Desert Nest "Guermassa"

Where Humans And Nature Once Made One

Photo credit: Belga Guemri

Guermassa, situated atop the Dahar mountains in Tunisia, is a deserted village boasting a strategic location encircling a mountaintop, extending along a ridge, and traversing the slopes of an adjacent peak. Historically, this elevated position served a dual purpose, offering inhabitants panoramic vistas while serving as a lookout to detect potential threats from afar. Fortifications encircling the village rendered it virtually impregnable, a characteristic shared with similar fortified settlements in the region, yet Guermassa stands out for its remarkable beauty.

The village's structures are partially hewn from the surrounding rock, a construction method that not only utilized the natural terrain but also provided structural strength. Dwellings were carved into softer rock layers between two harder strata, resulting in sturdy yet smooth interiors. Internally, living spaces were compartmentalized to serve various functions such as cooking and sleeping areas. Each residence features an enclosed courtyard along well-defined pathways interlinking the village.