Your adventure
Algiers, the capital and main city of Algeria, is located on the Mediterranean Coast in the northern part of the country. In Arabic, it is known as El-Djazaïr, which means "the islands," referring to a chain of islets that were once present in the bay of Algiers.
Nicknamed "The white Algiers " by the French colonists upon their arrival in the country by the sea, the city stood out to them due to the brightness of its white walls that extended as far as the eye could see.. Algiers is a flight hub and a mandatory stop for almost every traveler who wishes to explore the interior of the country. It is also considered a must-see destination during a visit to Algeria as it offers a wealth of historical and cultural experience. If you are interested in visiting this unique city with its myriad facets, don't hesitate to request a quote to receive various tour proposals. |
Level: Easy
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To assist you in choosing the guided tour that best suits your preferences, below is an overview of the landmarks that can be visited during a stay in Algiers.
La Grande Poste
El Hamma Garden
The martyr's memorial
Our lady of Africa
The Casbah
Bastion 23
The Bardo museum
The sacrate heart
La Grande Poste
LA GRANDE POSTE
Emblematic monuments and urban landmarks for Algerians and tourists alike, "La Grande Poste" (translating to "The Grand Post Office" in English) was built in 1910 during the French occupation.
It showcases a neo-Moorish architectural style, which was representative of the Oriental architectural movement prevalent at the time. This architectural choice was influenced by the governor's aim to foster unity between the colonists and the Algerians. |
This impressive edifice was constructed on the grounds of a former Turkish fort, facing the commercial port of Algiers and situated below the Government Palace. The Great Post Office of Algiers stands as one of the prized treasures of Algerian architectural heritage.
Its grandeur emanates from the exquisite Moorish-style external facade adorned with arcades, cupolas, minarets, a magnificent marble staircase, and imposing doors crafted from precious wood. The interior is equally magnificent, reflecting the refined aesthetics of the Hispano-Moorish style prevalent in Andalusia.
The ceiling is a marvel of architecture, and the craftsmanship displayed in the grand hall has retained its splendor throughout the years. Serving as a central hub for postal and telegraph services during the colonial era, the Great Post Office was transformed into a museum in 2018, dedicated to the history of post and telecommunications.
Its grandeur emanates from the exquisite Moorish-style external facade adorned with arcades, cupolas, minarets, a magnificent marble staircase, and imposing doors crafted from precious wood. The interior is equally magnificent, reflecting the refined aesthetics of the Hispano-Moorish style prevalent in Andalusia.
The ceiling is a marvel of architecture, and the craftsmanship displayed in the grand hall has retained its splendor throughout the years. Serving as a central hub for postal and telegraph services during the colonial era, the Great Post Office was transformed into a museum in 2018, dedicated to the history of post and telecommunications.
El Hamma Garden
THE TESTING GARDEN EL HAMMA
Regarded as one of the top 10 most beautiful gardens worldwide, the Experiments Garden of Hamma stands out due to its diverse plant collection, captivating design, and exceptional location, making it one of the most significant acclimatization gardens in the world.
Upon entering the garden, your gaze will be captivated by the stunning tropical flora thriving within, complemented by an unparalleled display of colors, harmonizing various shades of green with the blues of the sky and sea.
The Experiments Garden of Hamma is divided into two distinct sections. To the west lies the French garden, featuring a spacious central pathway adorned with Washingtonia palms, offering breathtaking views of the sea on one side and a hill overlooked by the Monument of the Martyrs on the other.
Parallel to the French garden is the English garden, consisting of shaded paths bordered by lush vegetation, including liana trees, and embellished with two ponds. It is within this area that you can admire the renowned Liana Ficus, known for its appearance in the filming of the 1932 movie "Tarzan the Ape Man.".
It is also here that you can admire the famous Ficus with lianas where part of the first Tarzan movie was filmed: “The Apeman”in 1932.
Upon entering the garden, your gaze will be captivated by the stunning tropical flora thriving within, complemented by an unparalleled display of colors, harmonizing various shades of green with the blues of the sky and sea.
The Experiments Garden of Hamma is divided into two distinct sections. To the west lies the French garden, featuring a spacious central pathway adorned with Washingtonia palms, offering breathtaking views of the sea on one side and a hill overlooked by the Monument of the Martyrs on the other.
Parallel to the French garden is the English garden, consisting of shaded paths bordered by lush vegetation, including liana trees, and embellished with two ponds. It is within this area that you can admire the renowned Liana Ficus, known for its appearance in the filming of the 1932 movie "Tarzan the Ape Man.".
It is also here that you can admire the famous Ficus with lianas where part of the first Tarzan movie was filmed: “The Apeman”in 1932.
The martyr's memorial
MARTYR'S MEMORIAL
Constructed in 1982 on the heights of Algiers to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Algeria's independence, the Martyrs' Memorial, also known as Maqam Ech-Chahid, is a monument dedicated to the fallen heroes of the Algerian war. It stands as a powerful symbol of the popular uprising and pays tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. This memorial holds great significance and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Algiers.
The structure consists of three palm leaves that converge halfway up, encircling an Islamic-style turret crowned by a dome. |
Each of the three palm leaves represents a distinct period of the Algerian history: the occupation, the resistance and the independence.
At the base of each palm leaf, there is a seven-meter-tall statue representing a prominent figure in the struggle for Algeria's independence: the Moudjahid of the National Liberation Army (ALN) of the inner territories, the Soldier of the ALN of the borders and the Soldier of the National Popular Army (ANP)
Due to its intricate design, towering height of 92 meters, and the seismic activity in the region, constructing this impressive monument posed a significant technological challenge for the engineers of that time but, remarkably, the construction site was completed in just nine months.
The memorial stands on a circular esplanade paved with white marble, where an eternal flame burns. Beneath the esplanade, there is a crypt, an amphitheater, and the Moudjahid Museum, further adding to the historical and cultural significance of the site.
At the base of each palm leaf, there is a seven-meter-tall statue representing a prominent figure in the struggle for Algeria's independence: the Moudjahid of the National Liberation Army (ALN) of the inner territories, the Soldier of the ALN of the borders and the Soldier of the National Popular Army (ANP)
Due to its intricate design, towering height of 92 meters, and the seismic activity in the region, constructing this impressive monument posed a significant technological challenge for the engineers of that time but, remarkably, the construction site was completed in just nine months.
The memorial stands on a circular esplanade paved with white marble, where an eternal flame burns. Beneath the esplanade, there is a crypt, an amphitheater, and the Moudjahid Museum, further adding to the historical and cultural significance of the site.
Our lady of Africa
OUR LADY OF ARICA BASILICA
Completed in 1872, the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa stands proudly atop a cliff overlooking the bay of the capital.
The architectural style of the building is a fusion of Byzantine and Roman influences, characterized by a prominent central dome and adorned with blue and white mosaics that grace the upper part of the church. |
Inside, the Spanish-Moorish-inspired design showcases a captivating blend of religious artwork, decorative mosaics, colorful stained glass windows and contemplative quotes. One of the most renowned quotes reads, "Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims."
Fondly referred to as "Mrs. Africa" or "Lalla Myriem" by Algerians, the basilica has been recognized as a symbol of cultural diversity and religious coexistence for 160 years, as noted by journalist Lyes Menacer.
From the esplanade of the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, as well as the well-preserved cemetery of Saint Eugene. The cemetery encompasses three sections, dedicated to Muslim, Christian, and Jewish burials, exemplifying the harmony of diverse faiths.
Fondly referred to as "Mrs. Africa" or "Lalla Myriem" by Algerians, the basilica has been recognized as a symbol of cultural diversity and religious coexistence for 160 years, as noted by journalist Lyes Menacer.
From the esplanade of the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, as well as the well-preserved cemetery of Saint Eugene. The cemetery encompasses three sections, dedicated to Muslim, Christian, and Jewish burials, exemplifying the harmony of diverse faiths.
The Casbah
THE CASBAH
The Kasbah of Algiers has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since December 1992. Inhabited since ancient times, it served as the capital of Algeria until the French colonization in 1832.
Architecture Architecturally, the Kasbah represents a remarkable masterpiece of urbanism and construction, as acknowledged by Le Corbusier, who stated, "Building their kasbah, the ancients had reached the masterpiece of architecture and urbanism." |
The Kasbah is an urban complex that constitutes a distinctive type of Medina, an Islamic city. It is renowned for its white houses and narrow streets that cascade down towards the Mediterranean Sea. Many of these traditional houses, palaces, hammams (bathhouses), mosques, and various souks (markets) have been preserved to this day.
During your visit, you will discover the richness of the Kasbah's houses through their interior decorations, which reflect both Muslim and Mediterranean styles. These houses often feature a central patio known as "wast edar," where you can typically find a well or a fountain. The terraces of these houses offer exceptional views of the Bay of Algiers. Among the notable palaces and grand houses to explore in the Kasbah are Dar Aziza, Dar Hassan Pacha, the Mustapha Pacha Palace (housing the Calligraphy Museum), Ahmed Bey Palace, Dar Khdaoudj Al Amia (housing the Culture Museum), Dar Soltan, and the Palace of Raïs (also known as Bastion 23), which now serves as the Arts and Culture Center |
Recent history
The Kasbah holds great significance in the context of the Algerian war. Prominent figures of the war established their headquarters within its walls. In 1957, the Kasbah witnessed the pivotal "Battle of Algiers," which remains one of the most significant episodes of the Algerian War. One of the houses in the Kasbah, belonging to Ali La Pointe, a hero and a martyr of the Battle of Algiers, has been transformed into a small museum dedicated to Ali, his comrades-in-arms (such as Hassiba Ben Bouali, Hamid Bouhmidi, and Petit Omar), and other martyrs of the Algerian War.
The Kasbah holds great significance in the context of the Algerian war. Prominent figures of the war established their headquarters within its walls. In 1957, the Kasbah witnessed the pivotal "Battle of Algiers," which remains one of the most significant episodes of the Algerian War. One of the houses in the Kasbah, belonging to Ali La Pointe, a hero and a martyr of the Battle of Algiers, has been transformed into a small museum dedicated to Ali, his comrades-in-arms (such as Hassiba Ben Bouali, Hamid Bouhmidi, and Petit Omar), and other martyrs of the Algerian War.
Art and Culture
During your exploration of the Kasbah, be sure not to miss the opportunity to visit the authentic craftsmen of the old city. They serve as custodians of ancestral craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. These craftsmen are dedicated to preserving and promoting their traditional skills. Among the crafts represented in the Kasbah are leatherwork, brassware, cabinetry, pottery, and ceramics.
The Kasbah is also the cradle of a musical style very rooted in the Algerian culture and Algiers culture. It is the Chaâbi musical style that was sung by both Muslims and Jews in Algeria.
The Kasbah is also the birthplace of a musical style deeply rooted in Algerian and Algiers culture called Chaâbi. This musical genre was sung by both Muslims and Jews in Algeria. The song "Ya Rayeh" by Dahmane El Harrachi brought Chaâbi music to the attention of the world. The late singer Rachid Taha further popularized the song. Later on, the song was translated and interpreted by artists from all over the world.
Places of worship
The Kasbah is renowned for its significant Muslim places of worship. There are twelve historical mosques spread out from the top to the lower Kasbah, including the Great Mosque (Djamaa El Kbir), the New Mosque (Djamaa El Djidid), the Katchuoa Mosque, the Sidi Ramdhan Mosque, and the Sidi Mohamed Cherif Mosque. Additionally, there are mausoleums dedicated to revered marabouts (holy men and Muslim sages), such as Sidi Brahim and Sidi Abdelrahmane
During your exploration of the Kasbah, be sure not to miss the opportunity to visit the authentic craftsmen of the old city. They serve as custodians of ancestral craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. These craftsmen are dedicated to preserving and promoting their traditional skills. Among the crafts represented in the Kasbah are leatherwork, brassware, cabinetry, pottery, and ceramics.
The Kasbah is also the cradle of a musical style very rooted in the Algerian culture and Algiers culture. It is the Chaâbi musical style that was sung by both Muslims and Jews in Algeria.
The Kasbah is also the birthplace of a musical style deeply rooted in Algerian and Algiers culture called Chaâbi. This musical genre was sung by both Muslims and Jews in Algeria. The song "Ya Rayeh" by Dahmane El Harrachi brought Chaâbi music to the attention of the world. The late singer Rachid Taha further popularized the song. Later on, the song was translated and interpreted by artists from all over the world.
Places of worship
The Kasbah is renowned for its significant Muslim places of worship. There are twelve historical mosques spread out from the top to the lower Kasbah, including the Great Mosque (Djamaa El Kbir), the New Mosque (Djamaa El Djidid), the Katchuoa Mosque, the Sidi Ramdhan Mosque, and the Sidi Mohamed Cherif Mosque. Additionally, there are mausoleums dedicated to revered marabouts (holy men and Muslim sages), such as Sidi Brahim and Sidi Abdelrahmane
Bastion 23
LE PALAIS DES RAÏS (BASTION 23)
The Palaceof Raïs or Bastion 23 is one of the most important historical monuments of the Algerian capital. It represents one of the last vestiges testifying to the extension of the Kasbah to the sea during the Ottoman period.
Classified under a group of historical monuments known as “The Moorish houses group,” it compresences three palaces (17, 18 and 23) and six douerates that used to serve as “fishermen’s houses. |
After years of abandonment, Bastion 23 was saved from imminent destruction and underwent an extensive five-year restoration before being opened to the public. It now holds the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as the Arts and Culture Center of the Palace of Raïs.
A visit to the Palace of Raïs offers a captivating journey through time where you can explore the distinctive features of an Ottoman residence, including arches, marble columns, wooden doors, tiles, and intricately carved wooden ceilings, all representing the essence of Moorish art. To enhance your immersive experience, don't miss the large terrace overlooking the sea from where, you can marvel at the panoramic view of the entire Algiers bay while trying to envision Algeria during the era of Corsairs and pirates.
A visit to the Palace of Raïs offers a captivating journey through time where you can explore the distinctive features of an Ottoman residence, including arches, marble columns, wooden doors, tiles, and intricately carved wooden ceilings, all representing the essence of Moorish art. To enhance your immersive experience, don't miss the large terrace overlooking the sea from where, you can marvel at the panoramic view of the entire Algiers bay while trying to envision Algeria during the era of Corsairs and pirates.
The Bardo museum
THE BARDO MUSEUM
Inaugurated in 1930, the Villa of Bardo, located on the slopes of Mustapha Superior, originally served as a summer residence believed to have been constructed in the 18th century. Its first owner was Prince Mustapha Ben Omar, a Tunisian prince who sought refuge in Algeria.
Throughout its history, the villa changed hands multiple times, with notable owners including Ali Bey, the agha of Biskra, who adorned it with exquisite frescoes and imported tiles from various countries. Mr. Pierre Joret, the final private owner, respectfully maintained the architectural integrity while expanding the lower section of the property.
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Upon Mr. Joret's passing, the villa of Bardo was generously handed over by his sister to the state, which saw the opportunity to transform it into a museum dedicated to prehistory and ethnography, showcasing the origins of the Paleolithic and Neolithic origins of Algeria.
While museum enthusiasts will find great delight in exploring its exhibits, others may be equally captivated by the architectural allure of the villa. The richness of its decorative elements is truly remarkable, featuring marble colonnades and staircases, a harmonious fusion of intricate woodwork complemented with Italian and Portuguese earthenware. Not to mention the serene gardens and patios permeating with the enchanting scent of jasmine and adorned with magnificent water fountains
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The sacrate heart
CATHÉDRALE DU SACRÉ COEUR
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