Saturday, April 25th, Constantine, Algeria
Greetings!
We explored the historic city of Constantine, Algeria, learning about its unique nicknames like the "City of Suspended Bridges", and the "City of Old Rocks." Our guide explained the city's geographical importance and the history of its eight bridges, including the famous Sidi M'Cid Bridge, which was once the world's highest. We discussed the French-built "touristic path" along the gorges ,and planned a walk across the bridge to meet up for a local lunch at noon.
Known as the city of suspended bridges and eagle nests. famous for its history of scholars who helped during the resistance. The first bridge, built in 1912, is the closest to the river. Sidi Rachad Bridge, or the "Hospital Bridge," stands 175 meters high. This bridge was the highest in the world until 1929 when Colorado's bridge surpassed it. French architecture and Algerian labor created the city's iconic structures. A "touristic path" created by the French allows walkers to explore the depths of the gorges. The river flows north between the massive rock pieces Environmental changes and city sewers have unfortunately eliminated the fish population in the river.
The group must reach the restaurant by 12:00 for their reservation.There is a choice between taking a bus or walking the steep path to the monument. The area serves as a physical archive of civilizations, showcasing layers of history through its various bridges. The Roman bridge sits at the bottom, characterized by two small arches. The Byzantine bridge is located where the stairs are currently situated. Remnants of an Ottoman bridge from the 17th century are visible to the right. The French built a connecting bridge in 1864, which facilitated travel between the two sides. Visitors can observe the progression of engineering from ancient stone paths to modern government projects. A massive bridge built by the government in 2015 now stands as the largest in the region. The "Sidi Rachad Bridge" is noted as a remarkably long stone bridge, measuring 400m in length according to local lore. Travelers used to navigate the hills by horse to descend into the valley and cross the river. The site offers a sensory and adventurous experience for those exploring the terrain. Visitors can actually feel the bridge bouncing under their feet, adding a sense of excitement to the crossing. While many stairs lead down to the ancient ruins for closer exploration, the descent is steep and challenging for some travelers
We enjoyed a meal at a historic Algerian restaurant that was formerly a hamam and a library. While dining, we discussed visa experiences, specifically how being young and single without property ties made traveling difficult in the past. The conversation shifted to our lunch choices, where we opted for vegetables and rice over traditional semolina dishes. We also learned about the local Mizabi culture reflected in the waiters' attire and the restaurant's unique 2014
renovation into a high-end tourist destination.
Traditional dishes included: Meat Tajin: A slow-cooked meat dish. Shbast Suffer: A Constantine specialty made of fried almond paste with honey syrup and cinnamon. Couscous and Semolina Pasta: Served with vegetables and boiled eggs. Drinks included Algerian coffee, "Americano" style coffee, and tea served with traditional sweets. Local street food highlights featured "Dirty and Delicious" square pizza and 12-hour slow-cooked chickpeas (Hummus) served with olive oil and harissa.
We found authentic handmade rugs from the M'zabite tribe, often featuring intricate geometric designs. High-end bridal dresses, such as the Karakou, can take up to eight months to handcraft and cost over $1,000. Artisans use traditional copper tools to extract rose and orange blossom water for cooking and beauty. The copper market remains a staple of local trade, alongside unique items like Tuareg swords and camel-skin products.
Weddings are a major event where brides change outfits up to five times, showcasing various regional styles from Algiers, Constantine, and Oran. The city follows a traditional schedule, becoming a "ghost town" on Fridays, with most shops closing before sunset. Social dynamics often see men as the primary shop owners and providers, even in stores selling women's
attire. Despite modern influences and "fake" global brands, the community maintains deep ties to traditional crafts and conservative social norms.
Our guide shared personal joy through his wedding photos, showing pride in his culture and family. There was genuine concern for a group member, who was unwell at the hotel; the group regularly checked on her recovery. The group found humor and connection while navigating rain-slicked streets, crowded markets, and the "no personal space" rule of local travel.
Greetings!
Known as the city of suspended bridges and eagle nests. famous for its history of scholars who helped during the resistance. The first bridge, built in 1912, is the closest to the river. Sidi Rachad Bridge, or the "Hospital Bridge," stands 175 meters high. This bridge was the highest in the world until 1929 when Colorado's bridge surpassed it. French architecture and Algerian labor created the city's iconic structures. A "touristic path" created by the French allows walkers to explore the depths of the gorges. The river flows north between the massive rock pieces Environmental changes and city sewers have unfortunately eliminated the fish population in the river.
We enjoyed a meal at a historic Algerian restaurant that was formerly a hamam and a library. While dining, we discussed visa experiences, specifically how being young and single without property ties made traveling difficult in the past. The conversation shifted to our lunch choices, where we opted for vegetables and rice over traditional semolina dishes. We also learned about the local Mizabi culture reflected in the waiters' attire and the restaurant's unique 2014
We found authentic handmade rugs from the M'zabite tribe, often featuring intricate geometric designs. High-end bridal dresses, such as the Karakou, can take up to eight months to handcraft and cost over $1,000. Artisans use traditional copper tools to extract rose and orange blossom water for cooking and beauty. The copper market remains a staple of local trade, alongside unique items like Tuareg swords and camel-skin products.
Weddings are a major event where brides change outfits up to five times, showcasing various regional styles from Algiers, Constantine, and Oran. The city follows a traditional schedule, becoming a "ghost town" on Fridays, with most shops closing before sunset. Social dynamics often see men as the primary shop owners and providers, even in stores selling women's
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