Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lamia F
Published on 2024-03-10 18:54:17
Annaba is one of the most beautiful North African cities, close to the Algerian-Tunisian borders. Bordered to the south by the Aurès and to the north by the Mediterranean, this city, rich in history and full of paradisiacal sites and places, has been fascinating people for millennia.
The ancient city attracts hundreds of thousands of local and foreign tourists every summer. Indeed, the very rich history of the region told through the remains of civilizations and conquerors it knew, combined with its biodiversity and breathtaking natural sites, make it an excellent tourist area.
### Sites to visit absolutely in Annaba
#### The ruins of Hippo
The first traces of human life in the region date back to the Paleolithic era, the first and longest period of prehistory, over 2 million years ago. Historians thus affirm that the first Maghreb inhabitants are descended from the Capsian Proto-Mediterraneans, who represent the first Berber lineage.
Before becoming Annaba, a name chosen by the corsair Kheireddine who seized the city from the jujube in 1522, Hippo was “the king’s gulf” whose name dates back to prehistory. The city experienced wealth and splendor. It was one of the largest cities in Roman Africa and one of its most opulent markets.
In the 5th century, Hippo became the home of Christianity under the bishopric of Saint Augustine, bishop of the city between 396 and 430. Then it was taken by the Vandals in 431, then by the Byzantines in 533, and in 705, Hippo then fell under the control of Muslim dynasties.
The ruins of Hippo are of great archaeological value. They consist of 3 parts:
– The residential area where most of the mosaics come from.
– The Christian district where the basilica is located.
– The grand baths and the forum.
#### Saint Augustine Basilica
The only church in the city that has not been destroyed or turned into a mosque, the very famous Saint Augustine Basilica is the first monument visible from afar for visitors to the city. The church of Bône is a monument of major importance for the local population, but also for the entire Christian community worldwide.
Today’s historians find it difficult to summarize the history of the Saint Augustine Basilica because it revolves around the personality of the famous Amazigh philosopher Saint Augustine, a pillar of Christianity, one of the four fathers of the church.
Constructed towards the end of the 19th century with a Roman-Byzantine style architecture, but also Berbero-Moorish, the basilica occupies the summit of the hill overlooking the city, on the Berbero-Roman ruins of Hippo, part of which was destroyed during its construction.
#### The city of Chetaïbi
Chetaïbi is a small fishing port located 70 km west of Annaba. This pearl of the coast, as quiet as it is charming, seems to slumber in the depths of a deep bay. The population, always welcoming and warm, lives at its own pace behind the natural walls formed by the Edough massif.
This charming location known for its “golden sand” beaches and coves teeming with rich and varied aquatic life is undoubtedly the most beautiful seaside resort located on the western coast of Annaba. Its well-known “west bay”, where greenery mixes with the blue of the sea, is considered one of the most beautiful in Algeria.
#### Seraïdi Forest
From the 900 meters altitude of Seraidi, the city center of Annaba appears tiny. From there, one can easily perceive the beach of Oued Boukrat, which is one of the most beautiful in the region. But in Annaba, there is not only the sea. There are also forests and mountains. Cool places in the summer, such as Mount Seraïdi, where the residents of Annaba and tourists like to retreat from July, fleeing the stifling heat and unbearable humidity of the city center. To reach it, one only needs to travel thirteen kilometers.
The buildings and houses disappear, giving way to a grandiose landscape. Barely started, the climb is invaded by lush flora. Here, nature is very generous. So deep ravines and canyons that are dizzying. In the background, the city of Annaba thus appears very small and almost unreal under the sun’s rays.
The highest point of Mount Seraïdi is occupied by the El Minzah tourist complex, all white with lime. Once there, visitors are pleasantly surprised by the freshness of the place, a temperature as mild as pleasant even in the middle of summer.
#### El Louh Beach
Hidden between the beautiful mountains of Seraidi, El Louh beach is a paradise for vacationers. Upon arrival, the large rocks overlooking the sea, carved by the winds for millennia, will make you feel like you are in one of the most beautiful islands of Greece. Access to this beach is by boat from Djenen El Bey beach at a price of 7,000 DA for 6 people.
Read the original article(French) on Algerie 360
