the town includes a long line of walls. inside the walls are four residential complexes, and the largest mosque built in algeria after that of mansurah. it is similar in design to the grand mosque of kairouan, with a tall minaret, . excavations have brought to light numerous terracotta, jewels, coins, and ceramics testifying to the high level of civilization under the hammadid dynasty. also among the artifacts discovered are several decorative fountains using the lion as a motif. the remains of the emir's palace, known as dal al-bahr, include three separate residences separated by gardens and pavilions.