Tourism in Algeria is at the forefront of the list of countries most people want to travel to. It is the largest African country and the tenth largest in the world in terms of land area. Algeria has a lot to offer to all visitors, from its sparkling coastlines extending for miles to its vast desert landscapes and numerous ancient Roman ruins, just to name a few.
Moreover, getting around Algeria is not difficult, especially with the warmth and hospitality of the country's people. This makes it easy and delightful to interact and connect with the Algerian population, making forming new friendships during your enjoyable trip to Algeria effortless.
Algiers - The Capital City
This city always ranks high in Algerian tourism. It is home to some of the most important and beautiful architectural treasures in the world. Algiers boasts a delightful mix of French-style white buildings, beautiful expansive gardens, the enchanting Bay of Algiers, and narrow streets that house the most beautiful minarets and mosques, including the famous 17th-century Mosque of the Fishermen. All of this contributes to the beauty of the charming capital of Algeria.
The Casbah, with its architectural splendor and layout, remains one of the most beautiful landmarks in Algeria and one of the most legendary mazes in the world. The houses seem to cascade down the hillside before flowing into the sea. If someone loses their way, they need only head toward the sea to correct their direction and path.
Top 3 Landmarks in Algiers:
1. Martyrs' Memorial: This significant tourist attraction in Algeria is a large memorial monument that is 92 meters tall and located on the heights of Algiers. It can be seen from various places in the city. It was built in 1982 to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of Algeria's liberation and to honor the memory of the victims of the war of liberation.
The memorial is designed in the shape of three palm leaves carrying an eternal flame, and at the beginning of each palm leaf stands a statue of a soldier representing one of the three historical periods of the liberation war. Make sure to visit the museum located below the memorial, which tells a dramatic story about the war during your trip to Algeria.
The cathedral sits atop a hill overlooking the city and the coast, symbolizing religious tolerance, making it one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Algeria worth visiting. An inscription on the church reads "Notre Dame d'Afrique priez pour nous et pour les Musulmans," which means "Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims."
It was named "Garden of Experiments" because the French colonialists initially used it for experiments. Plants were brought from African colonies and tested and cultivated in this garden to adapt them to the Mediterranean climate before being transferred back to Europe. The garden has also been used in several films that required scenes from tropical forests, most notably the Tarzan film in the early 20th century.
Oran
Oran is situated on the Mediterranean coast, west of Algeria, and is considered a thriving economic center and an important seaport due to its unique geographic location. Built during French colonial rule, its architecture is inspired by the coastal facade of Nice, France.
Oran is among the most prosperous places in Africa, and this coastal city has always been the capital of Algerian music and concerts. It is home to the famous Rai music and the birthplace of many artists in this distinctive genre. Oran is filled with numerous nightclubs, bars, and casinos that attract visitors throughout the night, making this city a prominent destination in Algerian tourism.
Top 3 Landmarks in Oran:
1. Santa Cruz Fort (Fort of Santa Cruz): The Santa Cruz Fort and Castle, one of the best tourist spots in Algeria, stands at an elevation of 429 meters above sea level, providing fantastic panoramic views of the city from above. The Spanish built this fort in the second half of the 16th century, and it is one of three forts connected by tunnels beneath them.
Inside the fort is a massive tank to store rainwater with a capacity of 300,000 liters. Under the old Spanish fort lies the Santa Cruz Church, built by French colonialists in 1850. The beauty of Santa Cruz Fort is irresistible during tourism in Algeria.
2. Hassan Pasha Mosque: Also known as the Pasha Mosque or the Grand Mosque, it is one of the most beautiful tourist landmarks in Algeria. It was built by order of Baba Hassan Pasha in 1797 to commemorate the expulsion of the Spanish from the country. Unfortunately, during the French occupation, the French army seized the mosque and looted everything inside. However, it was later returned to Algerians to practice their religious rites, and it served as the main mosque for Muslims in Oran and the workplace of the Grand Mufti.
3. First of November Square:During a tourist trip to Algeria, especially in the city of Oran, you must visit the 1st November Square, built to commemorate the memory of the Algerian Revolution. It is located at the intersection of several roads and is considered the historical heart of the ancient city of Oran.
At the center of the square stands a monument with the image of Emir Abdelkader, surmounted by a sculpture named "Glory" by the French sculptor Amy Gaul Dalou. The square is surrounded by many beautiful historical buildings, as well as the Oran Theater and the City Hall.
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Constantine
Constantine is the capital of eastern Algeria and is a unique city with many important museums and archaeological sites. During the Roman era, it was known as Cirta and later renamed Constantine in honor of the Emperor Constantine the Great. It should not be confused with the historical Turkish city of Constantinople.
Constantine is known as the "City of Suspended Bridges" due to the numerous picturesque bridges connecting the mountains. The most famous ones are the Seven Bridges: Bab El Kantara, the oldest bridge built in 1792; Sidi Rached Bridge, the highest stone bridge in the world; Sidi M'Cid Bridge, the highest bridge in Constantine; Malah Bridge or the Iron Bridge; Moudjahid Bridge; Devil's Bridge; and Waterfalls Bridge.
Top 3 Landmarks in Constantine:
1. Sidi M'Cid Suspension Bridge: It stands 175 meters above the ground, making it the highest bridge in Constantine and Africa. Crossing the bridge during stormy weather may cause slight swaying, but there's no need to worry as it is well-secured.
3. Monument aux morts de Constantine: This memorial monument was erected to commemorate the victims of World War I. It takes the form of an arch of triumph, standing 21 meters high on a cliff overlooking the valley. The Victory Statue atop the monument appears like a mythical bird ready to take flight, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.
Ghardaia
Ghardaia is situated in the northern Algerian Sahara and boasts a dry desert climate. The city is famous for its rock engravings and stone industries dating back centuries, including wood carvings, copperware, pottery, leatherwork, and various art pieces. Ghardaia also has many religious landmarks, and its historical Islamic period palaces still retain their unique water distribution system to the surrounding oases.
Top 3 Landmarks in Ghardaia:
1. M'zab Valley: A narrow and deep oasis in the desert, about 600 km south of Algiers. It derives its name from the "network" of multiple small valleys, not exceeding a depth of 100 meters. The beauty of M'zab lies in its unique architecture, where complete cities were built atop rugged mountains using simple wooden and palm frond tools, creating beautiful palaces with a special charm.
2. Ghardaia Palace: Also known as the "Jewel of Oases," it serves as the capital of M'zab Valley. Built-in 1048 CE on a rocky plateau, the palace is home to the Grand Mosque, which serves as the central point of life for the locals. The city's streets ascend from the bottom to meet at the mosque, forming a distinctive urban fabric.
3. El-Atteuf Palace: Also called "Umm al-Qusur" or "Mother of Palaces," this was the first palace built in M'zab Valley in 1012 CE at the base of the valley on a rocky elevation. Notably, it houses two mosques with pyramid-shaped minarets, and the ancient palaces still maintain their original layout, with narrow streets inaccessible to cars, making walking or using pack animals for heavy loads common.
These are just a few highlights of the diverse and fascinating tourist attractions Algeria has to offer. From the stunning coastline to the ancient ru
ins, Algeria is a country with a rich history and natural beauty that makes it a worthy destination for any traveler.
