Constantine
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At a glance
- Country
- Algeria
- Region
- Constantine Province
- Population
- 450,000
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Constantine Mohamed Boudiaf (CZL)
- Coordinates
- 36.37°N, 6.61°E
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Overview
Constantine is built on a rocky plateau split by the deep gorge of the Rhumel river, and its bridges are some of the most dramatic urban sights in North Africa. It was ancient Cirta, capital of the Numidian kings, and later renamed after the Roman emperor.
The old town is a tangle of lanes above the cliffs. It is a place for walking, looking down and slowly taking in a city with a long scholarly and musical tradition.
Things to see
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Photo: Yelles, CC BY-SA 4.0 Sidi M'Cid Bridge
A suspension bridge strung high above the gorge, with a stomach-turning view down to the river.
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Photo: LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0 Emir Abdelkader Mosque
One of the largest mosques in Africa, with twin minarets, built alongside an Islamic university.
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Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY 4.0 Palace of Ahmed Bey
The last Ottoman bey's palace, with tiled courtyards, gardens and painted walls, now a museum.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY 4.0 Monument aux Morts
A First World War memorial topped by a winged victory, on a clifftop with the best view of the bridges.
Things to do
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Photo: hanming_huang from Singapore, CC BY-SA 2.0 Walk the bridges
Cross Sidi M'Cid, Sidi Rached and the newer Salah Bey Viaduct for changing views of the gorge.
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Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY 4.0 Day trip to Tiddis
The ruins of a Roman-Berber hill town built into red rock, about 30 km north-west of the city.
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Photo: Alioueche Mokhtar, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Djémila
Some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa, set in the hills, about two hours away.
Find tours
Where to stay
City centre
On the plateau near the old town and bridges, the best base for walking.
Hotels in City centreAli Mendjeli
The large new town to the south, with modern hotels but a taxi ride from the sights.
Hotels in Ali Mendjeli
Getting around
A tram runs from the centre to the southern suburbs, and a cable car crosses the gorge. Taxis fill the gaps.
The airport is about 10 km south of the city, around 20 minutes by taxi.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant. Being inland and high up, summers are hot and dry, and winters can be cold.
Plan your trip to Constantine
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.