Ghadames - The Underground Oasis, Libya (122/418)

Built in an oasis, Ghadamès, "the pearl of the desert", is one of the oldest pre-Saharan cities and an outstanding example of a traditional settlement. Its architecture is characterised by the different functions assigned to each storey - the ground floor used to store supplies, another floor extending over dark enclosed passages forming a system of passageways, and the open-air terraces reserved for women.