Algeria travel guide

There are two complexes of Roman ruins near the town of Tipaza (with a "z") along with a mausoleum for Cleopatra's daughter. The main archaeological park is this one, right inside Tipaza. It's set spectacular on the coastline among shady olive trees. It's a vast area of Roman ruins holds both theatre, amphitheater, bath and even the remains of a basilica. The park has many secluded corners, which are popular with young couples on dates.
Tipaza (site 1 & 2) is among the top 3 Roman ruins in Algeria (along with Djemila and Timgad) and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tipasa Archaeological Site actually consists of three sites; the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, the Roman ruins in the town of Tipaza (with a "z"), and then this complex of Roman ruins outside Tipaza. It's smaller than the other site and the vegetation is a bit more wild, but it gives a sense of exploration. Also this site is located right on the coastline with amazing views of both the Mediterranean Sea and Tipaza town with its mountain backdrop.

After a visit to the splendid Romain Ruins of Tipaza, you might get disappointed with the ones in Cherchell. The site is rather small and located right smack in the middle of the bustling seaside town of Cherchell, so it lacks the spectacular settings of the ones at Tipasa. It's an enclosed area filled with ruins, where smaller artifacts are laid out in rows on the ground. However, the Archaeological museum a walk away have a fine selection.

Algeria is littered with Roman ruins, but some are more impressive than others. Timgad is in the absolute top 3 along with Djemila and Tipaza. The site is huge and packed with foundation of buildings. The grid plan of streets paved with large rectangular limestone slabs are so well preserved, it gives you a realistic idea of how it must have been during the Roman Empire. The city was actually covered by sand after the 7th century AD, which is the principal reason why Timgad is in such a good shape. The crown jewels of the site are the 3,500-seat theater, Trajan's Arch, and the Capitol Temple, which has approximately the same size as the Pantheon in Rome - however, only two columns stand in full size today. The small museum at the entrance have many of the fine mosaics on display. Of course Timgad is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

These Roman ruins is some of the lesser-known in Algeria. The town was founded by the Roman military around 125 AD and once served as the capital of Roman Numidia. Today the ruin of the so-called praetorium dominates the site, but there are also temples, baths, arches, aqueducts, and an amphitheater, which could hold up to 12,000 spectators. Over time the site has been victim of quarrying, where stones were removed and reused for building the modern village and the prison nextdoor. There is no entrance fee and it's best to access the site from the main road, not the village.

Not unlike the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania near Tipaza, but this mausoleum is for the lesser known Numidian king Madghis, who probably lived between 300 and 200 BC. The round pyramid-shaped tomb is not in the best state, but there is a good chance that you will have it all to yourself.

Princess Cleopatra Selene II was the only daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. She married a Berber prince, Juba II, from modern-day Algeria, and together they were given Mauretania to rule, which they did quite successfully. She died sometimes around 6 BC, and her husband had then a mausoleum built. When Juba II died in 23 AD, he was buried inside the mausoleum too. The Royal Mausoleum is along with the two archaeological complexes of Roman ruins at Tipaza a UNESCO World Heritage site.

One of the reasons to come to Timimoun is to see the big sand dunes of Grand Erg Occidental (Western Sand Sea). It can be done at many places, but about 10 km outside Timimoun (close to the oasis village of Tala) is a good spot. The road pass right through and the sea of sand goes as far as the eye can see.

Taghit's gorgeous location at the foot of giant sand dunes has turned it into a tourist town for domestic tourists. You can hire quad bikes and camels for thrilling trips into the rolling dunes of Grand Erg Occidental (Western Sand Sea). The old part of town with mud houses is abandoned, but it's still possible to explore the crumbling buildings by getting lost in the maze of narrow lanes. Other sights are palm groves and further out of town some petroglyphs.

The town of Timimoun isn't the reason why travellers come here - it's the surrounding sand dunes, oases, and ancient ksars that are the true attractions. But Timimoun town is both bustling and big enough for some exploration. The locals are a diverse mix of Arabs, Berbers, and Black Africans, many dressed in traditional clothes and turbans. The town is known for its many ancient red ochre colored clay buildings, particularly in the old town, which is still inhabited and a perfect place to get lost.