Tell Atlas

Along the northern edge of the Hodna basin, mountain ridges link the Tell Atlas with the interior highlands. Among them rise the Maadid mountains, where steep slopes and ravines shelter the Qal'a of the Banu Hammad. Founded in 1007, this fortified capital of the Hammadids stood in a commanding position above the plain. Its palaces and great mosque recall the city that grew within the mountain walls before the dynasty moved its capital to Béjaïa.