Annaba
The tranquil gem of the East. Indulge in its idyllic beauty, from sun-kissed sands to historic marvels, and embrace its captivating allure.
Golden shores, Ancient tales, Unforgettable charm
Built with elegance in the heart of the Mediterranean, it is the queen of the Algerian coast. “ Hippone”, “ Hippne- Regius” , “Bouna” and “Bone”, several names are given to just one city. Captivating capital of eastern Algeria. It appeals to visitors and those who settled there, marked ages of history and built civilizations attesting to the historical depth of the region since prehistoric man. It now attracts tourists to discouve rits treasures and its pristine nature. The tourist attraction on this city can be diverse from its pheoncien- roman ruins at Hippo Regius site, to the Basilica of st Augustine perched uphill looking over the archaeological site and the city of Annaba.
Annaba is a very rich city in terms of architecture where the Arab, Spanish, Ottoman and French presence is very noticeable.
The most important landmarks in the old city are the mosque of Sid Bou Merouane “El charif” built during the Zirid dynasty in 1033 and Saleh Bey mosque built by Saleh Bey the governor of Constantine province in 1791. Annaba is a bustling city with a city center where there is “le Cours de la revolution” the Revolution Course- ( formerly Bertagna Course), bordered by arcades with restaurants, terraces and kiosks. Despite its hot and wet summers, the seafront and the corniche are the heartbeat of Annaba during summer nights, displaying a cheerful and buzzling place for the local families and tourists from all over the country. Annaba is also characterized by elevations of mountains, hills and plains. The mountains represents 52.6% of the territory of the Wilaya (province), an area of 736 Km2 they stand out by the Edough massive which has a Mediterranean forest cover, where the cork oak, a hardy Mediterranean tree, predominates are very abundant. Thus the area of Seraidi is well known with adventure activities, such as Trekking, paragliding, quad bikes.
The archaeological site Hippo Regius
Hippo Regius, first settled by the Phoenicians probably in the 12th Century BC; that gave it the name of Ubon, than the Carthagians named it Hippone which means the “beaty of greatness”, after the fall of Carthage in the II century BC, Hippone became Numidian.
Under the reign of the great Aguellid Massinissa, this city became the favorite residence of Numidian kings (Massinissa his son Mecipsa followed by Jgurtha and finally Juba the 1st). Who rose it to the rank of Royal City, and will be later renamed “Hippone Regius” meaning the “City of the king”. Thus Hippo Regius is the ancient name of the modern city of Annaba, previously also called Bône.
While exploring the archaeological site, you will see the Forum (the largest in North Africa), the Baths, the Theatre, the Christian Quarters with its large Basilica and the Rich Quarter right at what used to be the water’s edge, now covered with alluvial deposits. Note the very large paving slabs. Remains of cisterns and aqueducts can be seen. These brought water to the city from the nearby mountain range of Edough.
Hippone museum
Located 2km from the city of Annaba on a promontory overlooking the ruins of the ancient city Hippo Regius, where St Augustine officiated, the building’s role is to serve as a custodian of the city’s memory and the history of the country, housing priceless treasures, mosaics, status, old coins and many scriptures dating from the Phoenician and roman periods, exposed to witness the different civilisations who passed through this beautiful city.
Basilica of Saint Augustine
Basilica of St. Augustine, perched on a hill overlooking Annaba. The church is a contemporary of the Basilica of Sacré Coeur in Paris and is built in the Arab Byzantine style reminiscent of the cathedral of Carthage in Tunisia. Annaba was called Hippo Regius during Roman times and it was the center of early Christianity. St. Augustine was born in AD354 in nearby Souk Ahras (Thagaste). He is one of the most important figures in the development of Western Christianity and is a Catholic and Anglican saint. He was also a Berber born to a devout Christian mother, St. Monica, and a pagan father. He was canonised in 1303 and is the patron saint of brewers, printers and theologians. A relic of his wrist bone can be found inside the Basilica. St. Augustine was bishop here from 396 until 430.
Ras El Hamra or Cap de Garde
Emblematic site of Annaba, with its lighthouse builts in 1850 on the top of a reddish color majestic rock from which it gets its name. Ras El Hamra is also a cave of BeitEl kaid which hosts WAadat and Zerdats under the protection of the saints of the holy place.
Le Cour de la Révolution
"Le Cours de La Révolution" was built by the mayor-deputy of Bône, Jérôme Bertagna and bears his name. The course was renamed Cours de la Révolution after the independence of Algeria in 1962. Today it’s supposed to be one the most lively places in the city, walking around you will see an open air kiosks and restaurants serving the young and no young Annabi people coffee, thé and a large variety of local pastries. The French architecture can be noticed easily by looking at buildings with arcades, one of these buildings, hotel d’Orient dating from 1876 and the regional theatre inaugurated at the end of 19 th century and destroyed by the German army in 1942 during the second world war, it was rebuilt by the French in 1954. Now the TRA is functioning as a regional theatre participating in the artistic, sociological, economical and spiritual life of the local community
Edough National Park
Annaba’s natural parks are its green space that you can turn to for a breath of fresh air and a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city. You can visit many places when you come to Annaba, and Edough National Park is one of the most beautiful natural areas that you can see in the province. In addition to being adorned with tall trees and green plants, it provides the most beautiful panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Do not hesitate to visit it, whether with family or friends, and enjoy climbing and wandering in the lap of nature, and taking distinctive souvenir photos. Seraidi is one of the most visited villages in Annaba, local and foreign tourists come here to explore its evergreen rainforests, which extend to over a large and vast area. These forests are the largest in the country, and the trees vary in them, including palms, cypresses, olives and pines, in addition to a group of trees dating back more than a hundred years. This forest is a destination for nature lovers! Moreover you will have the opportunity to do some adventure activities such as Trekking, Paragliding, Four wheeler tours and aqua sports down in the near beaches.
