[Africa Travel] Algeria: Oran

Oran is Algeria’s second largest city. Oran is a center of commerce and trade, with many cafés and bars and a lively atmosphere every day. Oran is also listed as one of Algeria’s amusement areas, and since many French people have lived in it since ancient times, it is characterized by being able to enjoy two faces at the same time: Africa and France, a port town and a commercial city. . The name Oran means “two lions”.

place

Oran is a city located in northern Algeria.

history

Oran is a city founded by Muslims in 903 as a commercial center. Oran has very strong ties with the Iberian peninsula and became a major supplier of wheat flour and developed greatly during the time of the Muwahhid dynasty. After the era of the Ottoman Empire, in modern times, it was under French occupation, and a modern urban area was built as a base for colonization from Europe. During the French colonial period, Oran was home to 200,000 European settlers, and it still retains a strong European culture today.

climate

Oran is a city surrounded by sea and hills. Temperatures range from 0°C to 35°C throughout the year.

language

The official languages in Algeria are Arabic and Berber. Some even speak French and Spanish.

security

It is necessary to be careful because terrorism by Islamic extremists rarely occurs in Oran. Pickpockets and robberies targeting tourists are common, so be sure to keep your valuables handy.

industry

Oran is prospering as a commercial city. The glass industry, chemical industry, food industry, etc. are thriving. In addition, it is a city with a thriving trade because it has a port.

Race

In Algeria, 80% of the population is Arab. The rest are made up of Berbers and descendants of European immigrants.

religion

Algeria is 99% Muslim. Elsewhere there are a few Christians.

currency

Algerian Dinar is used.

Sightseeing Spot 1 : La Grande Synagogue d’Oran

A huge and magnificent mosque. It was built in the 18th century by a Turkish governor to commemorate the expulsion of the Spaniards. It has a beautiful minaret and a huge place of worship that can accommodate 20,000 people at once.

Sightseeing Spot 2 : Fort Santa Cruz

Ruins on Belvedere Hill. It is an observation spot where you can enjoy a large panorama overlooking the town of Oran and the port. This great fortress was built by the Ottoman Empire.

Sightseeing Spot 3 : Chapelle de Santa Cruz

The church is said to have been built to quell a cholera epidemic in the 1800s. People placed a statue of the Virgin Mary on the hill and prayed for rain to protect the city from cholera.

Sightseeing Spot 4 : Place du 1er Novembre

The 1st of November Square in the center of Oran. It is one of the spots where many tourists gather because there are theaters, halls, and shopping streets in the surrounding area.

Sightseeing Spot 5 : Plage de Madagh

Oran’s most famous beach. The sandy beach is so beautiful that it is one of the must-visit destinations for tourists. It’s a relatively empty beach, so it’s a place where you can fully enjoy yourself.

Sightseeing Spot 6 : Le Théâtre d’Oran

Oran Theater is said to be the most beautiful building in Oran. This building was built by a French architect. It is popular because it is located in the center of the city and is easily accessible.

Sightseeing Spot 7 : Marché Medina Jedida

Flea market in Oran. Many people visit this market because the prices are not so high. There are always many people and it is a very busy market.

Hotel

Oran offers a wide range of accommodation options. The nearest airport is Oran Es Senia. You can book flights and accommodation from the link below. Other languages are also supported.