El Azizia, Libya

Abnormally high temperatures may be encountered not only in the vast desert, but in some cities. A good example is the Libyan city of El Aziziya situated on Dzheffar Sahel plateau, near the eponymous desert. Its temperature record has been placed a long time ago, on September 13, 1922. That day the temperature in the city warmed up to 57.7°C.

People have being living in El Azizia for many hundreds of years. According to the latest census, the city population is about 4,000 people. Despite the fact that a temperature record of 1922 has been refuted by modern scholars, there is no doubt in an extremely hot climate of the city. In summer, temperature regularly reaches 48.9°C. Active travelers are attracted not only with the amazing city of Berbers, but also with the desert of the same name that is a storehouse of amazing natural and historical attractions.

The desert is home to the ancient fortress of Qasr al-Haj built by locals over a thousand years ago. Locals used to store food in the fortress, as it was very difficult to protect it against the damaging effects of sun. Built of stone and plaster, this millennial castle looks very impressive. There is always a pleasant coolness inside this large construction. Today, an amazing fortress is among the prominent attractions of El Aziziya. Next to it there are ruins of ancient Berber villages, which have been inhabited for hundreds of years, despite the harsh climate. Next - Dallol