Algeria is the picturesque nature of the North African coast, the ancient ruins of great civilizations, the "residence" of the harsh Sahara, in a word - a colorful and vibrant country. Here, the tourists are waiting for the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, the oriental bazaars of Constantine, architectural monuments of the Roman, Carthaginian, Arab and Turkish cultures.
Historically, the majority of foreign tourists to Algeria are French, as the country was previously a French colony. The flow of travelers from other states is still not very high due to periodic unrest in the region. It is better to go to Algeria as part of an organized tour. The host party accommodates guests in several hotels of world chains. To visit the Sahara, visit the Berbers or go to the mountains, you will need to be accompanied by local guides.
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What to see in Algeria?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.
Old Kasbah in Algeria
The historical part of the capital of the country, the city of Algeria. Kasbah in translation from the local dialect means "fortress". This is the very heart of the city, where old houses, mosques and Ottoman palaces hide in narrow alleys and small squares. The city arose on the ruins of the Phoenician city of Ikosium. In 1992, the Kasbah was listed by UNESCO. About 70 thousand people permanently live here, many buildings are in disrepair.
Constantine city
Considered the pearl of the country, the locals call Constantine the “city of suspension bridges”. The city has an unusual location - it is located on a plateau, which was formed as a result of the washing out of the rocks from the rocks by the Rummel River. The El Kantra Bridge, the Devil's Bridge and the Falling Bridge, thrown over deep and already dry river beds, connect the old city with its new part.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Africa
A cultural monument of Algeria and a functioning Catholic church. The cathedral was erected in 1872 by the French architect Jean Eugene Fromajot. During the construction, emphasis was placed on the neo-Byzantine style with Roman elements, which was popular in France at that time. The temple is located on a cliff by the sea in the northern part of the city of Algeria. There is a statue of Our Lady in the courtyard, calling to pray for Christians and Muslims.
Basilica of St. Augustine at Annaba
Another Catholic church in Algeria, erected by the will of the former French colonialists. The basilica appeared in 1881. It was renovated in 2010 with funds from the Pope and the French government and with the approval of the Algerian government. On the territory of the temple are kept the relics of Bishop Annaba Augustine, who defended the city from the invasion of conquerors in the 5th century. and heroically killed during the siege.
Tlemcen Cathedral Mosque
Located in the city of Tlemcen and is one of its main attractions. The first buildings on the site of the mosque appeared in the 11th century. In the XII century. the temple was expanded by the will of the heir of Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf from the Almoravid dynasty. Another expansion took place in the 13th century. by order of Sultan Yaghmorasen, who is considered the founder of the mosque. At different times, a university and a court, known throughout the Islamic world, were located on the territory.
Ketshava Mosque
One of the main attractions in the capital. It was built in the Byzantine and Moorish style at the beginning of the 17th century. During the French colonization it was converted into the Catholic Cathedral of St. Philip. Several valuable historical relics are kept inside the mosque. During the construction, black and white marble was used, elements of this material have been partially preserved and have survived to this day.
Monument to Glory and Martyrdom
Monument in honor of the twentieth anniversary of the independence of Algeria from France. It is a stele with a height of about 92 meters, it is often called the "Algerian Eiffel Tower". The monument is clearly visible from anywhere in the capital. Structural elements symbolize the soaring up palm leaves, which converge at the top to form a dome. An eternal flame burns under the dome. The defenders stand at the foot, representing the resilience of the Algerian people.
Valley of Mzab
The area located around five ancient Algerian cities, formed by the X century. These settlements, called "ksar", have survived to this day in an almost unchanged form. The valley is a magnificent monument of architecture and history of the country. The buildings are made of white or cream stone, inside the towns there are labyrinths of streets, small markets - real museums of the life of local residents, mosques.
Tipaza
An ancient Phoenician city, which from the VI century. BC. served as an outpost and was of strategic importance. After the capture of these territories by Rome, Tipaza was a Roman colony for 150 years. After the destruction by barbarians in the VI century. the city was revived. The Arabs who came to replace the Byzantines named the settlement Tefassed (badly destroyed). On the territory of the modern city, tourists can see the ruins of an amphitheater, baths, Christian basilicas.
Royal Mausoleum of Mauritania
The tomb of the Moorish ruler Juba II and his wife Cleopatra Selena II is located in Tipaza. The building has absorbed parts of the ancient Phoenician and Christian culture. The structure has a pyramidal shape with hidden entrances hidden in the wall. The mausoleum is considered to be quite a valuable and interesting cultural object; it resembles the mausoleum of the first emperor of Rome, Augustus, built in the Eternal City.
Ancient Roman city of Timgad
It was founded by Emperor Troyan at the turn of the 1st and 2nd centuries. in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Timgad was built for the permanent residence of retired Roman legionnaires who served 25 years. Initially, it was assumed that 15 thousand people would be accommodated there, but very soon the city grew to 50 thousand. The citizens of Timgad had equal rights with the citizens of Rome itself. A fortress wall was erected to protect against the Berber nomads.
Cala Beni Hammad
The former capital of the Hammadid dynasty, is located in the northern province of Algeria. Currently, the city is a ruin against the backdrop of picturesque mountains. Cala Beni Hammad is listed by UNESCO as showing the true picture of a Muslim fortified city. The city dates back to 1007, it was founded by Hammad, the son of the founder of Algeria. From here came the Berber dynasty of the Hammadids.
Ancient Roman city of Dzhemila
Another Roman city for veteran legionnaires in Algeria. Here, after a long and grueling service in the army, former soldiers received land plots and broad civil rights. Before the capture of the barbarians in 431 AD. villas were built here, gardens bloomed and olive groves rustled. Due to climate change and the onset of the desert, people gradually left these places. In the XX century. active excavations began in Dzhemil.
Fort Santa Cruz
One of the three fortresses in the port city of Oran, connected by tunnels to other forts. Santa Cruz was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century, later occupied by the Turks and at the beginning of the 19th century. was conquered by the French. The fortress was the most powerful city building. Its architecture dominated the typical Moorish residential and administrative buildings. The territory of the fort has been preserved quite well, now excursions are conducted there.
Atlas mountains
A mountain range, part of which runs through the territory of Algeria. It separates the Mediterranean coast from the Sahara. The Atlas mountain system has been known since the days of the Phoenician campaigns; its description can be found in the works of ancient thinkers dated to the 2nd century. The mountains consist of three ridges, several inner plateaus, and plains.They are considered the highest in North-West Africa.
Jurdjura National Park
Djurdjura is a mountain range that is part of the Atlas Mountains system. A nature protection zone appeared here in 1925, later a national park was formed. On the territory of the park, tourists can enjoy the picturesque views of the peaks covered with lush forests, pine and oak groves. The most popular place for travelers in Jurdjura is the winter resort of Tikjda, which is located at an altitude of more than 1.5 km. above sea level.
Tassilin-Ajer plateau
Algerian National Park in the southeastern part of the country. The plateau is interesting because its fantastic landscapes resemble the surface of a distant planet. There are also ancient caves with thousands of rock carvings, which can be used to study human evolution and its features in this area. Scattered across the plateau are sandstone stone arches, bizarre pillars and hard rock canopies.
Ahaggar Highlands
A mountain range in the Sahara, around which Tuaregs have settled since ancient times. According to the myths of this tribe, Ahaggar was formed as a result of battles of fabulous genies, which froze in carved poses and turned into rocks. The main city of the Tuareg is located in the southwest of the highlands. Here you can visit the museum of local culture and get acquainted with the customs of the true masters of the desert (as the Tuaregs call themselves).
Thermal springs Hammam Meskutin
A unique natural phenomenon representing mineral formations of various shades and shapes and water flowing down them. The water temperature in the bath can reach 97 ° C. It is believed that the waters of Hammam Meskutin are capable of curing diabetes. The place is very popular among the local population, foreign tourists are almost never here, although there are enough hotels in the vicinity.
Sahara Desert
The largest desert on Earth, stretching across the territory of several African states. In Arabic, the word "Sahara" is used to refer to any desert. The length of the desert from East to West is about 5000 km, from South to North - on average 1000 km. The landscape is quite diverse - there are sand dunes, salt marshes, rocky plateaus, highlands, mountain ranges, volcanic formations.
