Algiers Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Algiers

The great Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes spent five years in Algiers, from 1575 to 1580, as a prisoner of war. The stay left an an indelible mark on his work, from plays to the monumental work "Don Quixote."

Algiers, the capital of Algeria, also known as "The Joyous" (el-Behdja) or "Algiers the White" (Alger la Blanche) for its whitewashed buildings, is a city where the Mediterranean Sea gently caresses the North African shoreline. Here, the echoes of history resonate from every nook and the pulse of modern life thrums with the dynamic vigor of an evolving metropolis.

The name "Algiers" is believed to have originated from the Arabic "al-jazā'ir," meaning "the islands," referencing the four former islands that lay off the city's coast before becoming part of the mainland in 1525.

Algiers traces its origins to Carthaginian times, evolving under Roman rule as the settlement called “Icosium”. Today, Roman remnants still dot the modern marine quarter.

The present city was established in 944, after the Muslim conquest, with its control shifting among Berber dynasties and empires like the Almohads and Ziyanids. Spanish occupation of the region in 1302 marked a turning point, fostering trade and attracting Moorish refugees. The city gained prominence after the expulsion of Moors from Spain and Spanish efforts to suppress Barbary pirates in the 16th century.

In 1529, corsair Hayreddin Barbarossa recaptured Algiers from the Spaniards, inviting the Ottoman sovereignty. Though formally part of the Ottoman Empire, Algiers became an independently operated hub for piracy, thriving on ransoming, due to its strategic location. One of the city's most iconic landmarks, the Corsairs Palace (Palais des Raïs) reminds us of the turbulent past as a stronghold for Barbary pirates.

From the French invasion in 1830 to Algeria's independence in 1962, Algiers' history intertwined with France's colonization. Throughout that period, European settlement surged, influencing the city's demographics and design. The Algiers Central Post Office, an architectural gem dating back to the French colonial era, is a testament to Algiers' enduring legacy as a crossroads of cultures.

Today, strolling along the bustling Didouche Mourad and Ferhat Boussad streets, you can soak in the city's lively atmosphere, where traditional markets coexist with modern boutiques and cafes.

If you seek an unconventional destination brimming with cultural richness, Algiers is an undiscovered gem awaiting exploration. No longer a hub for pirates, today Algiers welcomes tourists from all over the world. We, hereby, invite you to delve into the premier attractions of this Algerian marvel featured in our self-guided walk and experience firsthand the allure of this dynamic city!