Grotte de Cervantes (Cervantes Cave), Alger

Grotte de Cervantes (Cervantes Cave), Alger

Cervantes Cave stands as a tangible relic of history, entwined with the remarkable life of the renowned Spanish writer, Miguel de Cervantes. This cave is perched atop a hill between Diar el Mahçoul and a boulevard that bears its name. What lends the Cervantes Cave its enduring significance is its role as a sanctuary for Cervantes and his companions during a turbulent chapter of their lives.

The story harks back to the late 16th century when Cervantes, having suffered the loss of his left hand during the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, found himself captured by Barbary corsairs. It was on September 26, 1575, that he and his brother Rodrigo were seized by one of the corsairs of the Regency of Algiers, Mezzomorto Hüseyin Pasha. This marked the beginning of a harrowing period of captivity for Miguel de Cervantes, spanning five years in Algiers.

Throughout this ordeal, Cervantes and his fellow captives made several daring attempts to break free from their captors. Among these attempts, the Cervantes Cave played a pivotal role. In 1577, it provided refuge and hope for Cervantes and his companions as they sought to plot their escape back to Spain.

Ultimately, after enduring four unsuccessful escape attempts, including a protracted period spent within the confines of the Cervantes Cave, Miguel de Cervantes and his fellow Spanish prisoners were ransomed in 1580. They returned to Madrid, forever marked by their years of captivity in Algiers. Remarkably, it was during this period of adversity that Cervantes appears to have found the inspiration and motivation to embark on a new path—shifting from a life as a soldier to dedicating himself to the world of literature.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Alger. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Grotte de Cervantes (Cervantes Cave) on Map

Sight Name: Grotte de Cervantes (Cervantes Cave)
Sight Location: Alger, Algeria (See walking tours in Alger)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Alger, Algeria

Create Your Own Walk in Alger

Create Your Own Walk in Alger

Creating your own self-guided walk in Alger is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Architectural Tour

Architectural Tour

Alger is a treasure trove of beautifully designed buildings. Structures with vastly different architectural styles sit side by side in harmony with their surroundings. Take this tour and explore Alger's history as reflected in its architecture.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour of Alger's Casbah Area

Tour of Alger's Casbah Area

Alger's Casbah, or citadel, once surrounded a majority of the city, protecting it from attack. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Casbah District charms with its narrow streets, bustling markets, winding stairs and historic mosques. Take this tour to visit a fascinating section of Alger and to learn about Algerian history.

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles