Algiers ‘la blanche’, the white one, is what the French called the capital of Algeria. Its the largest city of Algeria, and the largest city in the Maghreb, with a population of 3,664,000 within the city metropolitan area. Algiers is situated on the west side of a bay of the Mediterranean Sea. The modern part of the city is built on the level ground by the seashore; the old part, the ancient city of the deys, climbs the steep hill behind the modern town and is crowned by the casbah or citadel, 400 ft (122 m) above the sea.
Algiers was the most successful of all the Barbary pirate bases, especially in the 16th century under the most remarkable pirate of all, Kheireddin Barbarossa. It was also the most cherished of all French colonial centres. And since independence in 1962, it has been the political, economic and cultural hub of an extremely large and culturally and geographically diverse country. The largest port in northwest Africa and the largest city too, it now spreads far to accommodate a population that has doubled in 20 years.
Yet, in its rush to modernise Algiers has still preserved some of its old mystique; it has a strong sense of identity and is still dazzlingly white.
Algiers was the most successful of all the Barbary pirate bases, especially in the 16th century under the most remarkable pirate of all, Kheireddin Barbarossa. It was also the most cherished of all French colonial centres. And since independence in 1962, it has been the political, economic and cultural hub of an extremely large and culturally and geographically diverse country. The largest port in northwest Africa and the largest city too, it now spreads far to accommodate a population that has doubled in 20 years.
Yet, in its rush to modernise Algiers has still preserved some of its old mystique; it has a strong sense of identity and is still dazzlingly white.
Algiers Casbah
A Unique UNESCO World Heritage Site In 1992, UNESCO recognized a site in Algeria that is not only historical and fascinating, but which is still home to thousands of residents, namely the Casbah of Algiers. It is one of the most visited and impressive attractionsin Algiers, and is a landmark to the city and a monument to its past. Originally constructed on the old Icosium ruins, the Casbash of Algiers has been transformed over the centuries, but many of its old structures are still in existence. The casbah itself is a truly unique and interesting experience.
Many visitors to the Casbah of Algiers are overwhelmed by the hundreds of narrow streets that wind through the casbah, which can best be described as a labyrinth of pathways. Due to its authenticity, the Casbah of Algiers has welcomed many film crews, flocking to this magnificent attraction to be used as a movie set. While exploring the casbah visitors will be able to discover wonderful noteworthy sites such as mosques, palaces showcasing the Ottoman period architecture and the ruins of the old citadel.
Tradition and culture are a vital part of living in the casbah, which creates an atmosphere that visitors will not find anywhere else in Algeria or in the world for that matter. It is an unforgettable attraction that combines tradition and history with daily living, allowing visitors to travel back in time and discover the breathtaking past of the country.
Many visitors to the Casbah of Algiers are overwhelmed by the hundreds of narrow streets that wind through the casbah, which can best be described as a labyrinth of pathways. Due to its authenticity, the Casbah of Algiers has welcomed many film crews, flocking to this magnificent attraction to be used as a movie set. While exploring the casbah visitors will be able to discover wonderful noteworthy sites such as mosques, palaces showcasing the Ottoman period architecture and the ruins of the old citadel.
Tradition and culture are a vital part of living in the casbah, which creates an atmosphere that visitors will not find anywhere else in Algeria or in the world for that matter. It is an unforgettable attraction that combines tradition and history with daily living, allowing visitors to travel back in time and discover the breathtaking past of the country.
Ketchaoua Mosque
Ketchaoua Mosque in central Algiers, has been a mosque and cathedral;
The Ketchaoua Mosque has always been a religious site, but has changed faces a few times over the years. In 1612, the Ketchaoua Mosque was constructed and flourished as a mosque until 1845. After being known as the Cathedral of St Philippe for a number of years, the building was again converted into a mosque in 1962. Fortunately, the structure and breathtaking architecture has remained in tact, and can still be marveled at today. The Ketchaoua Mosque has become one of the best known attractions in the city of Algiers.
Notre dame d'Afrique
Notre Dame d' Afrique - "Our Lady of Africa" Catholic Basilica in Algiers Located on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Algiers in Algeria's capital city, the Notre Dame d'Afrique is a 19th century Roman Catholic Church. As the basilica of Algiers, the Notre Dame d’Afrique (Our Lady of Africa) was designed by Jean Eugene Fromageau, the chief architect for ecclesiastical buildings during French colonial rule. It took fourteen years to complete the basilica and it was inaugurated in 1872.
Jardin D'Essai
The garden was built by the French in 1830 in the heart of the city; the park is Algeria's oldest botanical garden. It is home to thousands of plant and animal species.
Makam Echahid Monument
Algeria fought the French for independence between 1954 and 1962, which was one of the most vital decolonization wars in the history of the country. It was a war that not only saw armies in action, but terrorism, torture and guerrilla warfare created a brutal conflict in which civilians suffered in their thousands. The exact number of deaths during this vicious war is unclear, with some estimating that the total stood at hundreds of thousands, with many wounded during this time. The war and those who sacrificed their lives for freedom are remembered in breathtaking monuments such as the Makam Echahid.
Sidi Fredj
Sidi Fredj is a coastal town in Algiers Province, Algeria. It is located within the territory of the municipality of Staouéli, on a presque-isle on the Mediterranean Sea.
Sidi Fredj was the landing spot where the French established their beachhead for the Invasion of Algiers in 1830. A number of ships of the French Navy were subsequently named Sidi Ferruch, the colonial name of the town under French rule, in honour of the event.
Sidi Fredj was the landing spot where the French established their beachhead for the Invasion of Algiers in 1830. A number of ships of the French Navy were subsequently named Sidi Ferruch, the colonial name of the town under French rule, in honour of the event.