Algiers
The capital Algiers, (Al-Djazaïr its Arabic name), founded in 960, is among the most beautiful cities in the Arab world, even if the settlement has destroyed many of its former Moorish palace, replaced by a seafront which overlooks a beautiful bay. Algiers takes its incomparable charm of having pushed on hills interspersed with valleys, leaving prospects impregnable that one discovers the detour path switchbacks and alleys of stone stairs. Its labyrinthine although very dilapidated, retains all its originality and superb Ottoman houses. The Great Mosque of Algiers is a superb example of Islamic Almoravid architecture style, while the National Museum of Antiquities and the Ethnographic Museum of Bardo are places of interest.
Constantine
Constantine in the east, perched at the outlet of vertiginous gorges Rummel. It owes its name to the Roman Emperor Constantine who build many buildings. Traditional, austere, it is the bastion of Arab culture and Islam. Its mosque Abd El-Kader, headquarters of the University of Islamic Sciences, is one of the largest in Africa.
Oran
Oran is the second largest city. Active and dynamic, focused around its port with multiple commercial and industrial activities. The influence of Spanish, who occupied the city for nearly three centuries, is visible in many buildings in the Spanish-Moorish style. If the promenade on the seafront is not unpleasant, it nevertheless preferable to stay in Tlemcen, 90 km away. Nestled at the foot of the highlands of the Saharan Atlas, belted with a bucolic vegetation, this ancient Muslim city, founded by the Almoravids, is a particularly attractive old city dotted with numerous mosques in refined style, where it is good place to stroll.
Tamanrasset
Called Tam, a single syllable well summarizing the sweetness of life of this city buried in the infinite blond Algerian Sahara. And those who are left to surprises: Tamanrasset is no longer the small town of yesterday. The city and its 70,000 souls has expanded into the arid Hoggar, through the process of irrigation, far beyond the oasis. The first urban crossroads in Algeria where the Nigerian border bears the rank of administrative capital of the region. Also military reserve, it is inhabited by officials and central areas are a garrison base.
For the traveler, Tam is the first gateway to the Tassili of the Hoggar and the starting point for excursions to Assekrem. The city deserves two-day visit. Taste the old-fashioned charm and ambiance who wins the streets at any hour. Tam is the lair of Hitzit, “those who hold the walls” mischievous expression designating inactivity. The curious could visit the hermitage of Brother Charles de Foucauld and the monastery of Little Brothers of Jesus.