Sights at Algiers, Algeria

Coast of Algiers, Algeria

ALGIERS, the capital of Algeria, is a city of contrast. There is a unique and extraordinary beauty of the city as it rests against the Mediterranean Coast and the steep hills and dense forests.

The rich cultural history of the country had a great impact on the city’s architecture and buildings – Moorish mosques, Ottoman-style palaces, and the Kasbah. The city itself is amazing and definitely worth exploring.

Here are a few of the sights worth exploring.

KETCHAOUA MOSQUE

Ketchaoua Mosque

The Ketchaoua Mosque is notable for its outstanding Moorish and Byzantine architecture. It was built in the 17th century and used as a mosque.

However in 1845 the building was converted to the Cathedral of St Philippe until 1962.

In 1962 it was once again used as a mosque. The façade of the mosque has 23 steps, ornamented portico, and four black-veined marble columns.

There are two octagonal minarets at the entrance. The chambers, minarets, and ceilings are all inspired by Moorish architecture. Inside lies the remains of San Geronimo.

GREAT MOSQUE OF ALGIERS

Great Mosque of Algiers

Another mosque in Algiers is the Great Mosque which was built in 1097 making it the oldest in the country. The minaret was added in 1332.

Outside the mosque is a gallery which dates back to 1840. Other names for the mosque include Grand Mosque d’Alger, Djamaa al-Kebir, El Kebir Mosque and Jami Masjid. The building is inspired by Almoravid architecture.

NOTRE DAME d’AFRIQUE

Notre Dame d’Afrique (1)

Aside from mosques there are also catholic churches, cathedrals, and basilicas one of which is the Notre Dame d’Afrique or Our Lady of Africa. The basilica was inspired by Neo-Byzantine architectural style.

MAQAM ECHAHID

Maqam Echahid (2)

Maqam Echahid in English means Martyr’s Memorial is an important landmark in the city. The monument was built in honor of Algerian war for independence.

It was designed similar to three palm leaves leaning on one another. At the end of each leaf is a statue of a soldier. Below the leaves is an eternal flame.

BENI HAMMAD FORT

Beni Hammad Fort (3)

Beni Hammad Fort (4)

Beni Hammad Fort or Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad was built in the 11th century during the Hammadidd dynasty which served as a palatine city. Included in the city plan are 7 kilometer long wall, four residential complexes, and a large mosque.

UNESCO declared the place as a World Heritage Site in 1980 and was described as “an authentic picture of a fortified Muslim City.”

Currently, all that is left of the great city are ruins, terracotta, jewels, coins, and ceramics. There were also fountains decorated by stone lions.

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