Tipaza | Algeria

Tipaza, Home of the Gods

Tipaza is a small town that lies along the coast of Algeria. Known for Roman ruins and a sandy beach.

Making the ruins of Tipaza so extraordinary is because of the fact that it does not only showcase the architectural style of one group of rulers, but shows the influence of the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantine and Christians had on the construction of this lost city and the role they played in the development of Algeria.

Flocks of tourist keeps on visiting Tipaza to explore its ruins and to discover the history of the ancient civilizations in Algeria.

A must-see and nice sightseeing views at the place include the Christian chruch vestiges and the Corne d'or Tourist Complex. To learn more about the history of the place, it is best to visit the Tipaza Museum.

Tipaza was conquered by Roman military colony by the leadership of Emperor Claudius. The Roman city was built on three small hills which overlooked the sea, most of these stood on the central hill however no traces remains, but there are ruins of three churches which makes the province very interesting. One of these is Great Basilica, second is the Basilica Alexander which were both seated on the Western hill, and the third is the Basilica of St. Salsa on the Eastern hill. 

The Great Basilica, Tipaza

The Great Basilica has seven aisles; however the site was used as a quarry for centuries, erasing much of the original structure. The basilicas are surrounded by cemeteries, which are full of coffins, all of stone and covered with mosaics. The tombs out of solid rock have been the foundation of the church. Christianity was early introduced in this part of the country and on the third century Tipaza was known as the Bishops Cathedral.  

Most of the inhabitants continued non-Christian until, according to the legend, Salsa, a Christian maiden, threw the head of their serpent idol into the sea, whereupon the enraged populace stoned her to death. The body, miraculously recovered from the sea, was buried, on the hill above the harbour, in a small chapel which gave place subsequently to the stately basilica. Salsa's martyrdom took place in the 4th century. Truly this mythological story added curiosity on the tourist. 

By Alison Mendez