qasr alhaj

Qasr al Haj is a fortified storage location that has been in use by the local people of Barber for hundreds of years. It was built more than 800 years ago to store grain, olive oil or possessions of locals and nomadic people of the area. It is the only granary still in use. The granary is a hive of 114 cells hewn from the mud and rock walls. The structure has four levels; a basement level and 3 stories above ground. Steps have been formed from the mud and rock walls as well as primitive looking ladders, allowing access to the different levels. Traditionally each family owns one cell - the sizes of which vary from tiny to roomy caverns. A caretaker of the Qasr would open the gates at certain times each day so that food stocks could be stored or withdrawn. These types of structures are found in other areas of Libya as well as the neighboring country, Tunisia.