UNESCO Sights

The UNSESCO sights in Algeria are a blessing for the country. There are seven sights, please find them listed below. Make sure to add them to your travel list.

Djemila
Djemila, meaning ‘’beautiful’’ is a Roman ruin, and is listed on the UNESCO site since 1981. Its located near the northern coast east of Algiers, and it is situated in the region bordering the Constantinois and Petite Kabylie. Buildings on the site are a majestic arch where you enter the site, public baths are a theatre, fountains, forums, temples, basilicas, streets, and houses. The city was built during the 1st century AD. The city came to prosperity by trading agricultural product sush as cereals, olive trees, and farming. The city was abandoned in the 5th and 6th century when the Roman empire fall down. The Muslims later dominated the region, and called the city Djemila. The unique adaptation of Roman architecture to a mountain environment is amazing, and really a must to see. You can wonder around for hours, and go back to the roman time.

The Casbah district
This UNESCO sight most visitors list of things to see in Algeria. The Casbah houses the oldest buildings in the city, and its largely residential. There are the remains of the citadel, old mosques and Ottoman-style palaces as well as the remains of a traditional urban structure associated with a deep-rooted sense of community. The Casbah is divided into two areas; Al Djebel (upper area), and El Wata (lower area).

Highlight of the Higher Casbah are:
The Citadelle:
It’s a complex houses palaces, and mosques from the ottman period within its sturdy walls. Standing 118 m above sea level, commanding great views over the whole Casbah. The first part was established 1515 for Redbeard, and was largely completed in 1596. Inside the complex you find mosques, hammams and the harem.
La Maison du Millenaire:
A classic Algerian home built in 1930 from using ancient materials and following a typical design. It is enhanced by the addition of faience tiles of incredible beauty.
Mosque Safir:
Is a beautifull building with an interesting octagonal minaret. The mosque was build in 1534. In the nearby street there are more smaller mosques and zaouias (ismic schools)
Sidi Mohamed Cherif:
This is one the most notable zaouia in the Casbah. It was build in 1541, and it has a beautiful entrence. Nearby is a beautiful fountain with fantastic tiles.
Mosque Sidi Ramdance:
This is one of the oldest mosques in the Casbah, as it dates from the 11th century.
Sidi Abderrahmane:
The domed building was built in 1672, and the mosque was added in 1696. The mosque is internationally famous for its beautiful minaret, which is richly decorated in tiers.

Highlights of the Lower Casbah:
In comparison with the High Casbah, this area is much more spacious, and open. The area has many large buildings, public building, and palaces.
Mosque Ketchaoua:
This beautiful building is located on the food of the casbah. The mosque was built during the Ottoman rule in the 17th century. In 1612, the Ketchaoua Mosque was constructed and flourished as a mosque until 1845. For a number of years the French converted into Cathedral of St Philippe. In 1962 it was turned into a mosque again. We are lucky that the structure and breathtaking architecture has remained intact, and can still be marvelled at today.
Dar Aziza:
Is a typical Ottoman architecture is plain on the outside, but very rich decorated on the inside with beautiful decoration, arcades, and patio. It stand next to the Mosque Ketchaoua, and it was build in 1719 by the Bey of Constantine for is daughter Aziza.
Dar Hassan Pacha:
Opposite Dar Aziza is the impressive Dar Hassan Pacha. It’s a impressive building both out, and inside. Build in 1791, and a residence of the Pacha until 1797. From 18 it also served as a winter palace for the French governorgeneral in 1839.
Dar Mustapha Pacha:
This palace was build in 1797 by Dey Mustapha Pacha. It is similar to Dar Aziza. The building became the first modern library in Algeria, and served as that until 1948.
Museum of traditional arts:
The building dates back from 1572, and it was built by Ahmed Rais. The museum exhibits carpets, musical instruments, and crafs from around Algeria.
Dar Ahmed:
This impressive building serves know as the National Theatre.

The M’zab Valley:
This spot should not to be missed, and gets way to little attentions as it deserves. The mixture of traditional architecture, Berber culture, Islamic traditions, beautiful oases, small lakes, palm trees, and market towns is fascinating. It is a whole different world here with a very distinctive local culture which has been preserved through the centuries thanks to a deep-rooted desire. The area hold no endless dunes, and nomads, but rock. The very interesting point to visit this area is to see how man can conquer in hospitable conditions, and terrain, and bring a seemingly dead place to life, creating extensive palmeraies in the desert. This through ingenious irrigation systems started centuries ago without modern machinery. The local Mozabite population have deep traditions that can be found in the five fortified cities that lie within the M’zab Valley. The five cities are El Atteuf, Bou Noura, Malika, Beni Isguen, and Ghardaia. They are all situated very close to each other. There are two more ‘’new cities’’ , Berriane and Guerra which are located some distance away. No shorts or sleeveless are allowed. As a visitor please respect the traditions.

Timgad:
The large but fairly compact site of Timgad is located at 35km to the east of Batna. The site was added to the UNESCO list in 1982, and this is without a doubt one of the most touristy places in Algeria. When you walk on this site you get a real feel of an old Roman town. The city was founded in the last 1st century AD under the reign of Tjajan and served as a base for further exploration into the Aures mountains. The city prospered until the 7th century when it was overrun by the Byzantines, and later destroyed by Arab invaders, and left in ruins.
Highlight: Thermes Norde(the Roman baths), an Ancient cathedral, Amphitheatre seating 3500 people, Byzantine fortress, Arch of Trajan, and the Temple of Saturs

Tipaza:
The UNESCO archaeological site of Tipaza regroups one of the most extraordinary archaeological complexes of the Maghreb. It bears exceptional testimony to the Punic and Roman civilizations now disappeared. It’s proximity 1hr drive to Algiers makes it the most visited Roman ruins site in Algeria.

Beni Hammad
In the city Msile there is not much to see, but the region holds one of the most famous sight in Algeria. The former Maghrebi capital of Kalaat Beni Hammad, is situated 48km north of Msila in the mountains. Built in 1007 under Hammad Ben Bologhine intent on building a great and sumptuous capital for the Hammadite Kingdome and using craftsman ships from throughout the region. The total building was built in 2 years, and is listed with UNESCO. The main attraction is the minaret that is standing 25 m tall. It is the best preserved medieval Islamic building in Algeria.