Suspension bridges, unique architectural structures and creative heritage are just some of the virtues that describes the pitoresque city Constantine of Algeria, that make you to fall in love with this place.
The city of Constantine, the capital of the district of Constantine in northeastern Algeria, is situated 130 kilometers inland. It is built upon two cliffs that reach 640 meters above sea level, flanking the Rhumel River. Eight bridges and viaducts connect the city’s two halves across the wadi, earning the city the nickname “City of Bridges.”
Algeria's third city is tucked away 100 kilometres inland from the country's long Mediterranean coast. The road sneaks up on the city, snaking up the mountains. It weaves through craggy passes and tunnels blasted in the rock, past forests mirrored in wide lakes, before turning a steep corner and confronting you with Constantine.
So, let's see why the city is actually named "Constantine"!
This was a Phoenician city to begin with, known as Sewa – the Royal City. Then it was taken in to the kingdom of Numidia and re-named Cirta. The Romans inevitably arrived, calling the place Colonia Sittlanorum and renaming it Constantine who rebuilt it years after a calamitous civil war. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, it was conquered from the Byzantines by the Arabs in the 7th Century who called it Qusantina.
Are you excited to know more about "The City of Bridges? Here is it.
Interesting facts about it:
Today, the city has four bridges which cross the ravine, at the base of which the river Rhumel runs. There is also a viaduct which brings fresh water to the often precariously perched houses on the edge of the chasm. It probably isn’t somewhere you would imagine settling if you are afraid of heights.
If you have not heard of Constantine before, you are not the only one. Born in the city in 1927, poet Malek Haddad once wrote: “You do not introduce Constantine, She introduces herself, and you salute her. She reveals herself and we discover each other,” the poet, who was born in this great city in 1927 asserts.
The suspension bridge and viaduct, built over 100 years ago by the French, carry cars to and from the old town. Yet the bridges which fascinate most are those slim, precipitous pedestrian bridges. Often close to a thousand feet above the gorge the residents seem blithely unaware of this chasm directly beneath them and often haggle with street vendors as they
Did you know Constantine owes its remarkable scenery to the gorge and the river that has carved out the plateau. The different locations of the city are connected with suspension bridges
The most spectacular bridge is Sidi-M’Cid is a suspension bridge built in 1912 by the French engineer Ferdinand Arnodin. This is the highest and most spectacular bridge in Constantine. It is 168 meters long and 175 meters high. There are fantastic views of the gorge and Rhumel River.
El-Kantara is the oldest stone bridge in Constantine. It’s was built in 1863 and bears the markings of Roman and French architectural style.
Sidi Rached Bridge was built in 1912 by Paul Sejourne. It is most memorable because of its length of 447 meters and with 27 smaller arches. There is a magnificent and beautiful view over the Rhumel River.
The Falls Bridge was built in 1925. It is 80 meters high and is one of the most beautiful bridges in Constantine.
Constantine is a fascinating and spectacular "flying island". What makes this city incredible is its glorious past, its cultural richness as well as its special landscapes.
Find yourself special, find yourself in a special place, find yourself in Constantine.
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