At one time Gharyan was known as Gasr Garyan which means `the castle of caves', it reflects the unique style of building which was typical to the Berbers called Troglodite'. This type of building was entirely dug out of the rock face,with tunnels dug out of the embankment taking you to a central courtyard connecting in turn to the surface meaning that either in summer or in winter there was always a constant temperature. Today Gharyan remains an important centre of the Jebel ( mountain ) which carries its name Gharyan.