Discovery of Eastern Algérie Constantine - Annaba

Breakfast and departure to discover the city of Constantine.

Constantine, in Algérie, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Founded by the Phoenicians, it became, under the name of Cirta, the capital of the Numidian kingdom. Completely destroyed by Maxentius in 311 AD, it was rebuilt shortly after by the emperor Constantine who gave it his name. Constantine has preserved historical testimonies of three millennia of Numidian, Roman, Muslim, Ottoman and colonial presences. Its old city has been listed as part of Algerian national heritage since December 2004.

Our visit begins with the Amir Abdelkader mosque, where I notice at each visit subtle details that only reveal themselves to the curious and interested. The Émir-Abdelkader mosque in the city of Constantine is one of the most spectacular mosques of Algerian national heritage. In terms of size, this religious building extends over a total area of 13 hectares, encompassing the buildings of the Islamic university and a mosque that can accommodate up to 13,000 worshippers.

The Bridge of the Falls will be our next point, to discover Constantine from the base and gain a better understanding of the city's relief. Completed in 1928, it is located on the road to the swimming pool and spans the Rhumel at the level of the falls. A legend persists around this bridge, which we will discover on site. Nevertheless, a view of the war memorial will give us a better perspective of the city.

The Constantine War Memorial dominates the gorges of the Rhumel and offers visitors a magnificent panorama of the city and its surroundings. It was built on the model of the Arch of Trajan which can be seen among the Roman ruins of Timgad and rises to a height of 21 meters. It was designed and erected by architects Roguet and Dumoulin. Like me, all our guests become aware that this city is similarly unique in the world, offering us at every street corner a singular view under different facets. The Sidi M'Cid bridge will be our next point of access to the historical and original part of the city. Also called the suspension bridge, it is the most impressive of the bridges. Inaugurated on April 19, 1912 and 160 m long, it rises 175 m above the waters of the Rhumel wadi; it represents a symbol of connection between the different facets of the city, bringing us back to a past filled with traditions and authenticity.

The morning after breakfast. Guided tour: we take the road by vehicle towards the surroundings of Constantine. 9 km from the city, we discover a pretty village called Hammam Bouziane, with its greenery, freshness and many thermal springs (abandoned or no longer existing). Then, 30 km further to the northwest, Tiddis, also called Castellum Tidditanorum during the Roman period, was a Numidian then Roman city that depended on Cirta. Housing archaeological pieces of great interest, classified in 1992, the site is well preserved. Tiddis is certainly less imposing than Timgad, Djemila or even Tipaza, but the site is much more charming. The relief of the site and its dominant position over the surrounding countryside make it a unique site. Moreover, the Punic city appears to us beneath the more recent Roman remains. Lunch break: barbecue and local skewers.

In the afternoon, continuation of the visit to Constantine: the Cirta National Museum, the city center, the streets and boulevards of the colonial city, the Pyramid, the Regional Theatre and Brèche Square. Discovering the Moorish quarter, visit of a model of an Arab house and its Moorish architecture, passing through the Souika (the old town), the dried fruit market and the fresh meat market. Continuation of visits discovering the Great Mosque of Emir Abdelkader. Relaxation in Bardo Park to contemplate the city in panoramic view. Shopping in Bardo discovering Constantine's copper work. We end our visit with a stop at the Falls Bridge discovering Tourist Path; we watch the sunset over Sidi M'Cid Rock and the impressive sites of Rhumel Gorge.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for an immersive exploration of the old town of Annaba, where every alleyway tells a page of history. Visit of the old town, a district rich in history that has undergone several major transformations over the centuries. The evolution of the city: from the displacement of Hippo in the 5th century to the creation of modern Bona on the hill of Sidi Abi Marwan in 1058. The Ottoman era: a period of prosperity under the administration of Saleh Bey, where different communities lived in harmony. French occupation in 1832: the impact of colonization on the architecture and reconstruction of the city.

Visit of emblematic mosques: Mosque Sidi Bou Merouane Al-Sharif (built under the Hafsides in the 13th century by engineer Omar bin Muhammad) and Saleh Bey mosque (testimony to the Ottoman era). Discovery of historic houses: Dar Larkash, Dar Al-Benqi, Dar Al-Mandi and Dar Al-Saraya, remnants of ancient Bônoise architecture, some of whose facades have been preserved. Exploration of the Citadel: a defensive fortification of the Hafsides (14th century) serving as a residence for sovereigns. Transformation under French colonization into a military barracks, leaving only a few authentic remains.

Gastronomic lunch and relaxation. Lunch at the traditional restaurant Dar El Bey: tasting of Bourak El Annabi (filled pastry) and Jari (traditional soup). The Gritliya, a traditional Bônoise dish. Stroll along the cours de la Révolution, a lively place once the heart of the colonial city. Coffee break on a typical terrace to enjoy the local atmosphere. Return to the hotel, dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Morning: Panorama and outdoor activities. Breakfast and departure for a visit to the Great Corniche of Annaba, a location offering exceptional views over the Mediterranean Sea and the city. Exploration of Ras El Hamra, an emblematic rocky cape, perfect for admiring a sunrise or simply enjoying the spectacular view of the horizon. Lunch in a typical restaurant.

Early afternoon, we visit the Saint Augustine Basilica, an emblematic monument overlooking the city of Annaba, dedicated to Saint Augustine, philosopher and theologian born in present-day Thagaste in Souk Ahras. The Saint Augustine Basilica is an architectural masterpiece combining Byzantine and Roman styles. Exploration of the Roman ruins of Hippo: remnants of the ancient Roman city, seat of the bishopric of Saint Augustine. Discovery of the forum, the thermal baths and the ancient theatre. Early evening, city tour to discover the hidden charms of a typical Mediterranean city; Annaba. Free dinner. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.

In the morning after breakfast we head towards the heights of Seraïdi, a village nestled in the Edough mountains; a haven of peace and an ideal site for hiking in the heart of nature. Hiking through mountain trails, in the heart of a cork oak forest and through unspoiled nature. Discovery of panoramic viewpoints over the city of Annaba and the Mediterranean Sea. Possibility of encountering local wildlife and enjoying the pure mountain air.

Typical lunch at the El Hadja restaurant, an address renowned for its traditional dishes: tasting of Berber couscous, lamb tagine or fresh fish according to the day's specialties. In the afternoon, possibility of access to outdoor activities with Club Cap Fun: parachute, rope and obstacle course. Electric mountain bike or quad ride for a thrilling experience and stunning views over the region. Stop to admire the sunset over the mountain. Return to Annaba at the end of the day.