Algiers

Finding an exotic place to visit for a vacation is never too hard considering that there are several countries in the world which beautifully deviate from what is normal. But if you want something more than just exotic, say North African tourism for example, Algiers, Algeria is definitely the place to go to. Known as Al Djazair in Arabic, and Alger in France, Algiers is the Algeria’s capital city which lies on the Mediterranean coast. Although emerging from a troubled past, this modern African city hold both old and new attractions to welcome the travellers.

Algeria is bordered by Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali Mauritania and Morocco. It was primarily occupied by the native population called the Berbers. By 200 B.C. it was controlled by the Byzantine Empire up until the Arabs and the religion Islam arrived. The coastal area of Algeria is hilly and there are a few natural harbours. What’s interesting about its geography is that further down south of it is already the famous Sahara desert. Its capital city Algiers is the center of business and commerce.

Although Islam is the predominant religion here, the top tourist attraction in Algiers is the Notre Dame d’Afrique (Our Lady of Africa), A Roman Catholic church that stands as the basilica of Algiers. It’s one of the most outstanding monuments and it is accessible by one cable car. The Ketchaoua mosque is another historical monument that is stunningly eye-catching. It became the Saint-Philippe Cathedral during colonization and then became a mosque once again.

The very reason why one should visit Algiers is because of its local architecture. Buildings such as Cosmopolitan Algiers, The Monument of the Martyrs, Grand Post Office and the Ministry of Finances of Algeria are too beautiful to not get any attention. All these architectures including the rest of the attractions are like a masterpiece on its own, just like the city itself.