Algeria is the largest country in the Arab world and a rising economic and touristic power. Located at the top north of Africa on the Mediterranean coast, Algeria is home to vibrant modern cities such as Algiers and Constantine, and some of the best well-preserved archaeological sites in the world. For thousands of years, this country has been ruled by many empires and dynasties: from the Numidians and the Romans to the Almohads and the Ottomans. It is the heritage and legacy which are left by these empires that we will discover. To make our cultural discovery more exciting, we offer you our list of the 7 best things to do in Algeria!
Image Credit: Djamel RAMDANI from Pixabay
Djemila Roman ruins, formerly known as Cuicol, are one of the best-preserved archaeological sites found in Algeria. It is a strong testimony to Algeria’s past civilizations. The ruins consist of arches, baths and markets, and an amazing collection of mosaic pavings that are centuries old. The historic value of this place makes it a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great attraction.
The Roman ruins of Timgad, or as some call it: ‘Pompeii of Africa’, are another perfect example of a well-preserved Roman heritage. Much of what you would see here is carved stone, temples and arches, sculptures and pillars, and rocks that lay here and there over a vast area. The city of Timgad was once covered up in sand up to one meter which helped preserve it!
Tipasa was an old city conquered by the Romans and turned into a colony. Today, the remains of it are a remarkable cultural heritage that is worth discovering. Other Roman ruins include Tiddis and Lambaesis. These and other sites make Algeria a perfect destination for culturally-minded travelers!
Image Credit: Raimund Andree via Pixabay
Algeria has arid geography for the most part and the second largest desert in the world. A visit to Algeria is a great chance to experience the Sahara, its record-breaking heat, magnificent dunes, and amazing wildlife. When you have organized your trip to the Sahara, get ready to visit Ghardaia, an amazing fortified town, and Tamanrasset, a very beautiful oasis city with superb mountains and rock formations that meet with the sand to create wonderful sceneries. There is so much you can do here: do not miss a chance to try sandboarding or camel trekking!
Image Credit: SAMIRBOUAYAD from Pixabay
The city of Constantine, named after the emperor Constantine the Great, is one of Algeria’s biggest cities and a great place to visit. The city has many bridges, some refer to it as the ‘city of bridges’. Constantine is home to the Cirta Museum, a museum dedicated to showcasing the ancient history of the city since the days of the Romans and before. Visit the museum to get a glimpse of the history of Algeria and take time to discover Constantine!
Image Credit: Paebi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kasbah is the heart of Algeria’s capital, Algiers, it is its pride and a hard-won heritage. The Kasbah of Algiers is a World Cultural Heritage site, one of tremendous historic value to the Algerians. The remains of palaces built by the Ottomans, ancient mosques, and an old complex urban structure make the medina of Algiers a fine example of a long Islamic civilization. A walk through the narrow streets and souks of Kasbah is a great way to look back at ancient history.
Image Credit: nasro azaizia on Unsplash
Established in 1832, the botanical garden of Hamma in Algiers is a fascinating vast garden that stretches over 35 hectares. It houses a rich collection of exotic and tropical plants, greenhouses, and a zoo. More plants are being introduced to this garden with the aim of protecting them. This garden receives large numbers of visitors due to its importance in the preservation of biodiversity.
Image Credit: kamel bouziane on Unsplash
The Martyrs’ Memorial in Algiers is an iconic monument that was unveiled in 1992 as a reminder of and a tribute to the lives lost during Algeria’s war for independence. It is veritably a massive monument and is certainly worth seeing!
Image Credit: Manuel Villafranca from Pixabay
Algiers is home to the Basilica Notre Dame of Africa, a magnificent church that was built in 1872. This church has an important religious value that symbolizes the peace between religions. It is an amazing construction that features an authentic Neo-Byzantine architectural style.
Check out our travel blog for more exciting cultural traveling ideas!
