Algeria is an eastern country that delights its guests with beautiful Mediterranean beaches, colorful oriental bazaars and unique architectural monuments that have survived from different civilizations. On the territory of the state there is a part of the endless Sahara, there are many huge mountain ranges, salt lakes and spectacular oases. Traveling along it is not boring at all, even for sophisticated tourists. What to see in Algeria for tourists from interesting and beautiful places?
Old Kasbah
The old part of the city with narrow streets and a fortress, distinguished by an unusual architectural solution. The citadel was built in the era of the Ottoman Empire, and since 1992 it has been included in the UNESCO list.
The stronghold is one of the main attractions of Algeria, a photo and description of which can be found in all travel guides around the country. Residences have been built on its territory, there are historical monuments and palaces. It was in the Old Kasbah that the film "Battle for Algeria" was filmed. During the struggle for independence with de Gaulle's army, local patriots hid in it, since his soldiers were afraid to enter the old city, as they could get lost in the labyrinths of narrow streets.
For a traveler, visiting the Kasbah is tantamount to visiting the Moscow Kremlin.
Ketshava Mosque
Since its foundation in 1612, it has changed its purpose several times. During the reign of the French occupation, the building housed the Catholic Cathedral of St. Philip. The mosque resumed its work only in 1962, almost 120 years later.
The temple is located near the Kasbah fortress. Its architecture is very beautiful. It contains details typical of the Moorish style, complemented by Byzantine motifs.
To enter the mosque from the main entrance, you need to climb 23 steps. The entrance is decorated with a portico with black marble columns, and the facade of the building is decorated with luxurious arches.
The interior of the mosque delights with beauty and attracts the eye. There are many relics within its walls, and one of the chambers keeps the relics of the last Apache, Geronim.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Africa
Built on the Mediterranean coast. It is located on a cliff with a height of 124 m. The Catholic temple proudly rises above the capital and is the main religious landmark of Algeria.
The construction was erected in 1872 from sandstone. Its architecture successfully combined the neo-Byzantine and Roman styles.
White and blue mosaics were used to decorate the building. Inside, the cathedral is decorated with columns, interesting stained glass windows, arches, mosaic patterns. In the courtyard of the temple there is a composition "Queen of Africa" and a statue of a missionary.
The cathedral is active, admission is free.
Tlemcen Cathedral Mosque
A very ancient shrine of the country. It has the shape of an irregular pentagon, built in 1082. Over the years of its existence, the temple has doubled in size. This took place in the 12th and 13th century. The mosque is distinguished by its rich interior decoration and a large number of decorative arches.
Bardo Museum
What to visit in Algeria for tourists interested in the culture of different peoples? Of course, the ethnographic museum, under which the building of the 18th century is set aside. Since its construction, it has been used as a country residence, and acquired the status of a museum in 1930.
The museum exhibits are represented by a unique collection of ancient ceramics, rock carvings, various rare objects and original products made by the peoples inhabiting the country.
Museum of Fine Arts
Enjoy contemplating paintings and sculptures by renowned French and local artists at this establishment. The museum collection also consists of glass and ceramics. It features antique furniture and many items of decorative and applied art.
Constantine city
Tourists who have visited numerous sights of the country note that it is imperative to see the picturesque Constantine. This very ancient city borders Tunisia. Throughout its history, it has repeatedly changed its name and received new rulers.
Constantina is surrounded by rocks, cliffs and gorges, connected by beautiful bridges. A stunning panorama opens before the guests of the city, as if captured on the canvas of a talented artist.
Modern Art Museum
Algerian museums delight tourists not only with old collections, but also present new exhibits. These include this museum, built in the neo-Moorish style.
Initially, the building housed a shopping center built specifically for the French in 1900. In 2007, it was decided to allocate a place on its territory for the demonstration of modern museum exhibits, which are constantly being updated.
Timgad
Founded by Emperor Troyan with the aim of protecting coastal areas from nomadic attacks. The city is an example of Roman buildings, the ruins of which have been well preserved to this day thanks to the burial under the sand layer.
During the reign of Troyan, Timgad developed rapidly, quickly built up and even had its own sewage system. Now it is included in the UNESCO list, it has a perfectly preserved triumphal arch. To the iconic monuments that are often found in the city's photos, also includes a working amphitheater, cobbled streets, mosaic floors of thermal pools and other attractions.
Jurdjura National Park
It occupies the northern part of the country and bears the same name as the mountain range. In 1923, the park was recognized as a nature conservation area, and in 1983 it was given the status of a national one.
On the territory of 82 square kilometers, there are lush forests and groves surprising with their picturesqueness, in which rare animals and even endangered magots live. The park has many grottoes and deep canyons. All these natural beauties will delight and amaze experienced travelers.
If you still do not know where to take a walk while traveling in Algeria, we advise you to go to the Jurdjura Park.
Monument to Glory and Martyrdom in Algeria
When visiting the city of Algeria and its attractions, you will surely notice this monument, which has the unofficial name "Algerian Eiffel Tower". It is visible from any corner of the capital, as it reaches a height of 92 meters. An observation deck was installed at the top of the monument, from which a sea panorama and a view of the entire city opens.
The purpose of the construction of the monument was to perpetuate the memory of the soldiers who died in the middle of the last century in the struggle for the independence of Algeria. The composition consists of three palm leaves forming a dome, under which an eternal flame burns. Its author is the Polish sculptor Marian Konecny.
Valley of Mzab
Another striking Algerian landmark that has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1820. The area was inhabited more than ten centuries ago, but to this day it has retained its original appearance. It is located in the north of the Sahara, 500 kilometers from the capital.
The settlement has a simple architecture. Its buildings, like concentric circles, diverge from the mosque located in the very center.
The buildings are maximally adapted for life in an arid climate. They have a white or beige hue, from a distance they look like toys, although, as in the old days, they are impregnable and reliable. Seeing them is like moving into the distant past.
It is recommended to visit the settlement only during daylight hours. The only exception is its capital, Gardai, which is open to travelers around the clock.
Royal Mausoleum of Mauritania
What else can curious tourists see in Algeria? This unusual museum is located in the town of Tipaza.The structure resembles a pyramid, it has entrances in the walls invisible to the eye.
From the outside, the museum looks like the mausoleum of Augustus in Rome. It is the tomb of the ruler of Mauritania Juba II and his wife, as well as a vivid embodiment of Christian and Phoenician culture.
Basilica of St. Augustine
The temple is located in the city of Annaba and, according to legend, keeps the relics of St. Augustine, who became famous for his writings on Christianity. The basilica is almost 120 years old. The design surprises with a variety of styles and is the main attraction in Annaba.
Jemila
Ancient Dzhemila is also added to the UNESCO list. What interesting things can you see here? This open-air museum has many attractions, including temples, a theater, basilicas, houses and a number of other ancient buildings.
The city was originally square, with two main streets intersecting in the very center. They were located perpendicular to one another and divided it into four equal parts. In each of them, temples, markets, baths and other institutions were opened.
Before the arrival of the barbarians in 431 BC, Dzhemila was a city of wonderful gardens and olive groves, but with a change in climate, the area gradually became empty.
An archaeological museum is now operating on the territory of the settlement, where various household items are presented. They were found during excavations that have been going on here since the 20th century. The city is guarded. It is a veritable example of a Roman layout adapted to the mountainous terrain. Dzhemila attracts crowds of tourists from all over the world.
Thermal springs Hammam Meskutin
They are located at an altitude of 200 meters. They are said to have healing properties. The water of the mountain springs gushing from the ground is saturated with minerals, and its temperature reaches almost 100 degrees. Terme Meskutin is visited by a huge number of travelers.
Sahara Desert
Featured in every travel guide to Algeria. Many travelers strive to see with their own eyes its mesmerizing landscapes. The desert has a yellow-red rocky surface covered with sandy-clay hills. In ancient times, lush vegetation grew here, but climate changes significantly influenced the formation of the landscape, replacing green spaces with endless sands.
It is now available to every tourist to visit the Sahara, since it is possible to get into the depths of it by bus along the paved road.
Ahaggar
Place of settlement of the Tuareg in the Sahara, who had their own state until 1750. For a period of time the area was owned by the French, but then it again began to belong to Algeria.
Ahaggar is a mountain range formed from rocks of volcanic origin. Its highest point is over 2900 meters high and is called Tahat.
The rocks of Ahaggar are distinguished by bizarre shapes, obtained as a result of weathering, displacement of underground plates and volcanic activity.
The area is located in the zone of influence of a sharply continental climate, therefore it is distinguished by a unique flora and fauna. Such weather conditions are not typical for the rest of the Sahara.
Cala Benny Hamad
The first capital of the country. The city was founded in 1007. It is located among high mountains and fortress walls 7 kilometers long, behind which are palaces, minarets and a mosque.
On one of its rocks, the ancient castle of the Lighthouse of Light rises, striking with incredible beauty.
Ford Santa Cruz
It is located in the port city of Oran, where there are two more fortresses, with which it is connected by tunnels. Ford was built in the 16th century. At one time it was owned by the Turks, and then the French conquered it.
Santa Cruz is perfectly preserved and now it is visited by numerous excursions.
