Roman Ruins and Breathtaking Nature: Sights in Algeria

Emperor Constantine is said to have remarked that this is the only place in the world where humans are higher than the eagle. A journey to Constantine in eastern Algeria, also known as the “City of Bridges.” Nearby, visitors can explore Roman ruins and an impressive gorge, featured in this episode of Algeria Tomorrow.

Sights in Eastern Algeria

Constantine, the third-largest city in Algeria, is built atop a rocky plateau. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. During a visit, you can admire the architecture of its bridges and take a journey through history—from the Roman era, when the city was called Cirta, to modern Algeria.

The Old Town

In the vibrant and colorful Medina, some houses are a thousand years old. A walk with archaeologist Hocine Taoutaou reveals:

"We are talking about a city that, at the end of the 2nd century BC, was the capital of a Numidian kingdom," explains the researcher in prehistoric paleontology. "Its power extended from what is now Morocco to the Libyan border. In Constantine, you can read the history just from the archaeological ruins, the urban layout, and city planning. Everything is still there, everything has been preserved."

Algeria: Local Cuisine

Culinary traditions have also been preserved—homemade specialties and dishes such as Djouzia, a traditional sweet made from honey and nuts.

"Here in Constantine, everything is authentic, and that is what makes the richness of this city," says Hocine Taoutaou.

Historic Architecture

In the bustling old town, the serene gardens of the Ahmed Bey Palace attract visitors. This gem of Arab-Islamic art features a 2,000-square-meter mural depicting the travels of Ahmed Bey, a figure of resistance against the French invasion.

"The Ahmed Bey Palace was built in 1826 by the last Bey of the eastern Algerian Beylik, Ahmed Bey," explains Meriem Kebailia, Director of the Musée National Public des Arts Et Expressions Populaires (National Public Museum for Art and Folk Expressions). "The architecture is in the local Moorish style. There are four pavilions and two gardens—the Palm Garden and the Orange Garden."

Constantine has always been a cultural hub in Algeria, she adds: "Constantine has always been a melting pot of civilizations and a cultural center. Today, the palace is a national museum for traditional cultural arts and expressions, tasked with preserving and passing on these traditions."

Another landmark is the Emir Abdelkader Mosque, a masterpiece of African-Islamic architecture that accommodates 15,000 people, with minarets over 100 meters high.

Roman Ruins

South of the city lies the Wilaya of Batna in the Aurès Mountains, an area shaped by the legacy of Roman civilization.

These ruins are often called the "African Pompeii" and are a marvel of Roman urban planning. "It’s a place to stroll through," says Asma Ghenam, Head of the Heritage Development Department at the Batna Cultural Directorate. "Here, visitors can walk through time—past the baths, the library, and the forum. They can experience life as it was back then."

The artifacts and mosaics discovered here are now displayed in a museum, reflecting the daily life of this city, which served as a retreat for the Roman military, explains Asma Ghenam:

"In the forum, there is an inscription summarizing life in Timgad. It reads: 'Venari, Lavare, Ludere'—Hunt, bathe, and play. That is the good life for those who have served the Roman Empire."

The Ghoufi Gorge

About a hundred kilometers further south, at the edge of the Sahara, lies one of the country’s most stunning attractions: the Ghoufi Gorge.

From the three tourist viewing terraces along the trail, visitors are treated to unforgettable vistas of nature’s craftsmanship and hundreds of cave dwellings that have withstood the test of time. Adventure enthusiasts can hike through the gorge along a river lined with fruit trees cultivated by the local population.