After exploring Algiers, we traveled by car for six hours to visit Constantine, Algeria, known as the “City of Bridges,” one of Algeria’s most historic and culturally rich cities. Located in northeastern Algeria, it is the capital of Constantine Province and has a population of over 1 million people. (see map)
Constantine is one of the oldest cities in the world, with origins dating back to around 600 BCE. It was originally known as Cirta and was the capital of the Berber Kingdom of Numidia. The city became part of the Roman Empire in 46 BCE and was renamed Constantine in 313 CE by Emperor Constantine the Great, after whom the city is named. Following the Arab-Muslim conquest in the 7th century, Constantine became an important center of Islamic culture and education.
Historically, Constantine was an important trade and educational center. Today, it is an industrial hub, with manufacturing, textiles, and agriculture playing key roles in its economy. Constantine has a strong tradition of music, particularly Malouf, a genre rooted in Andalusian classical music. The city has a vibrant market scene, known for traditional crafts such as carpets, pottery, and leather goods.
The city, perched on a plateau, is surrounded by ravines and cliffs, making its landscape dramatic and unique. Its bridges (7 old and one newer) span deep gorges, with the Rhumel River running through the bottom of the chasms. When glancing down while crossing the bridges, my stomach was "aflutter."
We visited a few of the bridges spanning the city’s deep gorges, as well as a 275-year old theater, a ruler’s palace, and one of the largest mosques in the world, making this stop very memorable.
Although my father’s WWII service never took him to Constantine, my visit to this city’s dramatic geography was well worth the travel. And if you are an “armchair traveler,” you might enjoy the photo gallery.
Stay tuned for my two weeks in Tunisia, where the majority of WWII's military action took place.
Posted April 15, 2026
This map shows the location of Constantine in relation to Algiers, and Tunisia.
A panoramic view of Constantine from my hotel balcony.
This panoramic evening view of Constantine shows the "new" bridge in lights.
All of the bridges spanning the dramatic gorges, were breathtaking feats of engineering.
These red roofs are Constantine's public hospital.
The city, perched on a plateau, is surrounded by ravines and cliffs, making its landscape dramatic and unique. Its bridges (7 old and one newer) span deep gorges, with the Rhumel River running through the bottom of the chasms.
The jaw-dropping cliffs and gorges of Constantine, with a narrow "highway" traversing it all.
My stomach fluttered a bit when crossing the deep gorges.
The now small, but at one time mighty Rhumel River, carved out a circular gorge that resembels a natural fortress.
As usual, in Algeria we ("Western travelers") were always accompanied by security guards. This car preceded ours, with flashing lights!
The beautiful Ahmed Bey Palace, an Ottoman-era building which took 10 years to build, 1825-1835, by the then ruler of Constantine, 1826-1848. There were summer and winter wings of the palace. A ruler's wealth was showcased by the number of different tiles that were displayed. The tiles of many different countries represented the ruler's prestige and rank. The French entered Constantine in 1837 and ruled for almost 150 years.
All of the tile work was stunning, as was the case throughout North Africa.
At the Ahmed Bey Palace in Constantine. This ornate palace decorated with Tunisian and French tiles took nearly ten years to build, yet the then ruler of Constantine, Ahmed Bey, only enjoyed it for two years before the French turned it into their headquarters during their takeover. As always, our beautiful and knowledgeable guide, Luna, led our tour.
I was constantly in awe of all the intricate, old, beautiful tiles.
My two travel companions, with our guide, Luna. Susie had been on 19 OAT tours throughout the world, and Mary had been on 22 previous OAT world tours. This North African OAT tour was my first, and I highly recommend OAT (Overseas Adventure Travel) as an excellent/small group travel experience. They do their homework, and specialize in creating connections with the locals.
The lush and serene gardens within the Palace.
Our "khadidja", local guide in Constantine.
In the reception hall of the Ahmed Bey Palace.
Inner courtyard of Ahmed Bey Palace, where the "harem" could get fresh air and sun. The term "harem," has been misdefined in western culture. Historically, a ruler's "harem" referred to all the women staff and family members, living together in one wing of the palace. Often, widows and unmarried women with a child, would live in a ruler's staff quarters, referenced as a harem. These women were not necessarily sexual partners of the ruler.
The tour of the private, secluded, and inviolable living quarters of the ruler's family, concubines, and women staff, was fascinating. The "harem" served as a highly structured institution for the sultan’s mother, wives, children, and servants, functioning as a center of domestic life, education, and political power. Here are a few of the women's beautiful dresses on display that were worn for a variety of occasions.
Taking tea. A ruler would often have up to 4 wives for political reasons, from different regions in his jurisdiction, to ensure sovereignty and control.
In previous decades, when going outside the Palace, women needed to cover themselves completely. There are still a few women who adhere to this practice when in public. However, today, most women cover their heads with a hijab and wear loose-fitting garments.
A display of beautiful dresses worn by a bride for 7 days prior to and leading up to her wedding day.
A variety of water vessels used in the traditional "hammam," or bath. Hammans were and still are important parts of North African culture. Public baths in Algeria could be found almost everywhere.
Two little girls doing their homework in the hallways of the Palace. I think this mother and her daughters were probably visitors, and as a conscientous mother, was merely taking advantage of some down time to school her children.
These young girls were practing their Arabic letters and writing. They would also learn French and some English in their schools.
School girls in Algeria, wear pink tunics over their clothes. Boys wear (naturally) blue tunics. The kids customize their tunics with their own badges and pins, indicating their interests and personality.
We happened upon this 275 year old theater in Constantine, and were given a private tour. Many well known actors performed there, as well as musicians and entertainers. The history of this old charming theater was fascinating. Apparently, there was interest in restoring it to its former glory.
All the inner/behind-the-scenes workings of the theater were made of wooden gears, pulleys, and ropes.
We had to carefully watch our steps, as there were open trap doors to under levels used for performers and props to suddenly appear.
The Mosque of Emir Abdelkader, with its twin minarets. Its prayer hall can hold 10,000 people, making it one of the world's largest mosques. In a mosque, the role of a cantor, who leads the congregation in prayer and song, is fulfilled by a "muezzin," who is responsible for calling the people to prayer. He proclaims the call to the daily prayer (adhan) five times a day from a mosque's minaret. These calls to prayer can be heard from different mosques all across cities, blending into a memorable and somewhat haunting choral blend that has persisted for centuries.
Our wonderful guide, Luna, standing next to the Algerian flag outside of the Mosque.
Before entering the mosque, we had to be fully covered, head to toe. There are robes and scarves for women visitors to wear. Men must also cover their heads, in respect and reverence to Allah. Here is Susie being dressed by Luna.
This is one of the largest Mosques in the world, and can hold 10,000 worshippers. As is tradition, the men and women are separated, with the women being relegated to the balcony. Every worshipper must wash their hands and feet before entering.
The mosque was truly extraordinary, and I did feel a holy presence there.
In a mosque, the Imam typically leads the services, including prayer and the Friday sermon. The Imam is a respected figure within the mosque, serving as a spiritual leader, guide, and teacher. In smaller mosques, the Imam may also act as the Muezzin, who makes the Adhan (call to prayer).
This man was studying the Quran. Men and women are segregated for worship in the Mosque. We were very lucky to meet some young university women in the mosque, in their own separate section, of course, who were avidly studying the Quran. They were completely covered in all black, including black gloves. They were "students" of the Quran, from the university across the street from the Mosque. Our conversation with them, translated by our guide, Luna, was fascinating. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take their photos.
A series of videos showing how artisans create the beautiful brass trays used throughout North Africa, and the world!
Another brass tray artisan
These kinds of artisans have been practicing their trade for generations, passing down the family business for decades.
This is an example of one of the final products, used as a tray/table top in a restaurant.
Art shot. I have hundreds more that would overwhelm this photo gallery.
Another art shot.
Typical street scene in Constantine. Many sidewalk vendors.