Tebessa | Algeria

Arch of Carcalla

Tebessa in Algeria is located 20 km from the boarder with Tunisia and has 161, 440 people. The place is also known for carpets — it is famous for producing the finest, traditional Algerian carpets which have a good market all over the world. Aside from carpets, the city has something more to offer.

Tourism is one of the main sources of revenue in the Tebessa.  The place is rich with historic value because it is the first town where Numidians settled. At the city, tourists can find numerous attractive sites such as the remains of Saint Crispinus Basilica and the Gate of Caracalla.

Saint Crispinus Basilica

The city began as a town in the 7th century. By the year 146, it was absorbed into the Roman Empire and was called Theveste. 

In the 1st century, the Legio III Augusta stayed in the site prior to the transfer to Lambaesis and become a colony under Trajan. It is linked to other areas to the country by rail and road.

The climate of Tebessa is mainly mild. Like other parts of Algeria, it also experiences Mediterranean type of climate. The summer months are mild and humid while winter months are cool. The ideal time for visiting the city is during the winter season when the weather is pleasant with little rain.

By Amara Borja

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