Aside from its Mediterranean coastline, Algeria also offers a Saharan desert interior. The history of this North African country is rooted in various empires, leaving numerous relics and cultural legacies. You’ll find ancient Roman ruins in seaside Tipaza, Ottoman landmarks along the hillside Casbah quarter of Algiers, and the Neo-Byzantine basilica Notre Dame d’Afrique, which dates from the colonial period.
Algeria‘s cultural heritage includes several World Heritage Sites. The city of Tipaza is an ancient Roman city and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site list. It was an important Roman trading post for centuries and later was used as a military base. There are several buildings, including temples and basilicas, which testify to different eras. Other attractions in Algeria include the Tipaza Museum and the ancient Roman city of Timgad.
In Algiers, you’ll find many historic landmarks. You can walk around Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Kasbah, which is an abode for Ottomans. You’ll also find traditional houses, as well as the Botanical Garden Hamma. You’ll also want to visit the Martyrs Memorial, which is a concrete monument commemorating the Algerian War of Independence.
Another important monument in Algiers is the Algiers Freedom Monument. The monument is 92 meters high and was constructed to remember the soldiers who lost their lives in the country’s independence struggle during the mid-19th century. It is modeled after three palm leaves and is adorned with an observation deck from which you can take in Algiers’ cityscape. If you’re interested in history, you’ll find it fascinating to take in some of the city’s architectural heritage.
There are many natural attractions in Algeria. For example, the Red Desert is dotted with red-walled towns like Tamanrasset. You’ll find rock paintings that date back to 6000 BCE. If you’re looking for something a little more unusual, you can also visit the Hoggar Mountains, which are part of the Sahara desert. They’re also a great place to view wild animals.
The Grand Post Office is another one of Algiers’ tourist attractions. It’s one of the oldest and grandest buildings in the city. Next to it, you’ll find the Centre des Arts et de la Culture, which hosts photographic and fine art exhibitions. You’ll want to plan an afternoon at least one of these museums during your stay in Algeria. It’s definitely worth it! You won’t regret it.
Ghardaia is another one of Algeria’s tourist attractions. This cluster of five old towns is known as the Ghardaia region. Each town has its own social hierarchy, dress, and religion. To visit the old town and the Sidi Brahim mosque, you’ll need an official guide. You can also buy carpets from Ghardaia, which are considered the finest in the country and make great souvenirs. Carpets can be found at the main square, but haggling is advised.
Another tourist attraction in Algeria is the Grand Post Office. This monument is the most iconic monument in the city. It’s an example of early 20th-century Moorish architecture, and the ceiling is decorated with mosaics. The Central Post Office is also one of the city’s most popular shopping districts. The city’s souqs get very busy on Friday. This is a great place to enjoy the city’s culture while shopping.
The Botanical Garden of Hamma is another destination worth visiting in Algeria. This garden was established in 1832 and was originally set up as a place to study and introduce new plants to the country. Nowadays, it is one of the city’s top tourist attractions. The gardens contain thousands of plants and are an oasis of tranquility away from the city’s traffic. The botanical garden also has a visitor information center. You can learn about the plants and the history of Algerian botanicals.
Oran: Another major city in Algeria, Oran is a beautiful coastal city. Its construction was inspired by the seaside resort of Nice, France. The city is full of historical buildings, and its long boulevard offers breathtaking views of the harbor and coast. You can also take in some scuba diving in the ocean nearby, sample the local cuisine, and listen to the music of Rai. Sadly, Oran had political issues in the nineties, but its historical significance remains intact.
Algeria Tourist Attractions and Museums to Visit
The Martyrs Memorial, a famous historical monument, stands in tribute to the soldiers of Algeria’s independence struggle. Its three stylized leaves form a dome to protect the eternal flame and each leaf is topped by a statue of a soldier. The building is 92 meters high and beautifully lit at night. If you’re curious about Algeria’s history, the Martyrs Memorial should be on your itinerary.
Located in the capital city of Algiers, the Bardo National Museum of Prehistory and Ethnography is an excellent place to start your trip to Algeria. Here, you can see artifacts from various ancient civilizations, dating back as far as the reign of Masinissa. The building itself is built in the Roman Greek style and has a beautiful garden full of sculptures.
Another major attraction in Algeria is the Tipaza, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Roman city was an important trading center in the Mediterranean until it was given a military function. Today, the buildings at Tipaza testify to the history of the region. From the Roman period to the Ottoman and French eras, this city is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in North Africa.
There are a lot of historical sites to explore in Algeria, but one trip will not be enough. You’ll need several days to experience everything the country has to offer. Visit ancient mosques, wander through ruins of ancient settlements, and take pictures of the stunning natural landscapes. Your trip to Algeria will be one to remember for a lifetime. If you want to know more about the culture of the country, check out these Algeria Attractions and Museum to visit
The most iconic monument in Algiers is the Central Post Office or La Grande Poste. Built-in the early twentieth century, this monument is a stunning example of Moorish architecture designed by French artists. The ceiling is adorned with mosaics. There’s no shortage of cultural attractions in Algeria, and the city has a lot to offer. If you’re interested in art, make sure to visit the Musee des Beaux-Arts and the National Museum of Fine Arts.
The Bardo Ethnographic Museum is one of the finest museums in North Africa, and the National Museum of Fine Arts is another worthwhile visit. The town of Tamanrasset, in the Hoggar Mountains, is another must-see attraction in Algeria. It’s the unofficial capital of Algeria’s Sahara region. The city is a popular winter holiday destination for Algerians, and the town is often frequented by blue-robed Touareg camel caravans.
The Casbah is one of the most unique places in Algeria. The former fortified city was a maze of narrow streets and was surrounded by a wall from the 16th to 18th centuries. Despite the city’s ancient architecture, the Casbah is an unforgettable place to visit. The old quarter is the largest and most unique in Algeria. It also boasts a number of National Parks and Biosphere Reserves.
The historic capital of Beni-Hammad is preserved in its ancient city. The walls of Kala Beni-Hammad are seven kilometers long and include palaces, minarets, and a mosque. The ruins of the Beacon of Light castle are located on a steep cliff and offer breathtaking views. Afterward, you can visit the Musee National du Bardo, an impressive museum in Algiers that houses the remains of ancient civilizations.
The Ketchaoua mosque is another notable attraction in Algiers. Built during the Ottoman reign, it is a UNESCO Heritage Site. The mosque is located in the lower part of the Casbah, two minutes’ walk from the Martyrs Square. Its façade and color make it easy to spot. A guided tour costs between DA 1000 and DA 1500 per person. If you’d like to visit the museum in a more detailed way, you can hire a guide, which costs about DA 1000 to DA 1500 per person.
The Notre Dame d’Afrique basilica is another landmark to visit in Algeria. The basilica was constructed in 1872 and took fourteen years to complete. The building is a prime location for a breathtaking view of the city. It’s a perfect place to watch the sun rise or set. And you can get there by cable car or taxi from the city center. If you don’t feel like walking up a steep hill, take a taxi.
