Why visit Constantine, Algeria? Because few cities anywhere look like it. Constantine is built on a rock plateau cut off by the deep gorge of the Rhumel River, and its neighborhoods are joined by a series of dramatic bridges, which is why it is called the “City of Bridges.” The most famous, the Sidi M’Cid suspension bridge, opened in 1912 and hangs about 175 meters above the river. Constantine was once Cirta, capital of the Numidian kings, and today it is eastern Algeria’s main city and the best base for the Roman sites of Djemila and Timgad. This guide covers the bridges, the sights, how to get there and how long to stay.
Planning a trip? Start with our complete Algeria travel guide and our guide to Roman ruins in Algeria.
Constantine at a glance
| Where | Northeastern Algeria, inland, on a plateau above the Rhumel gorge |
|---|---|
| Known for | Its bridges and gorge, Ottoman palaces, malouf music and Numidian history |
| Nickname | The City of Bridges |
| Time needed | One to two days, plus day trips to Djemila, Timgad or Tiddis |
| Getting there | Flights to Mohamed Boudiaf Airport, trains and roads from Algiers |
| Getting around | Walking, the tram, the cable car over the gorge and taxis |
The bridges of Constantine
The Rhumel gorge wraps around the old city on three sides, and bridges are the only way across. Several of them are sights in their own right, and walking from one to the next is the best way to see the city.
| Bridge | What to know |
|---|---|
| Sidi M’Cid | A suspension footbridge opened in 1912, about 164 meters long and 175 meters above the river. It was the highest bridge in the world until 1929. |
| Sidi Rached | A long stone arch bridge, also opened in 1912, carrying traffic into the old city. |
| El Kantara | The oldest crossing point, on the site of Roman and Ottoman bridges. |
| Salah Bey (Trans-Rhumel Viaduct) | A modern cable-stayed bridge opened in 2014, crossing the valley above the city. |
| Mellah Slimane footbridge | A narrow pedestrian bridge, also called the Perrégaux footbridge, linking the railway station side with the old city. |
Below the Sidi M’Cid bridge, a natural rock arch spans the gorge. Walk across the bridge for the view straight down, then look back at it from the hill of Sidi M’Cid or from the cable car.
Things to do in Constantine
The best things to do in Constantine are walking its bridges and gorge, visiting the Palace of Ahmed Bey and exploring the old city.
- Walk the bridges and the edge of the gorge, from Sidi M’Cid to Sidi Rached and El Kantara.
- Palace of Ahmed Bey: the 19th-century palace of the last Ottoman bey of Constantine, with gardens, painted walls and tiled courtyards.
- Emir Abdelkader Mosque: one of the largest mosques in Algeria, with twin minarets, next to the Islamic university.
- The Monument aux Morts: the First World War memorial on Sidi M’Cid hill, with views over the city and the gorge.
- The old city (Souika): lanes, small mosques, workshops and markets on the rock.
- The Cirta Museum: archaeology from Numidian and Roman Constantine and the region.
- Ride the cable car across the gorge for a view of the city from above.
- Listen to malouf, the Andalusian musical tradition Constantine is known for, at a concert or a festival.
A short history of Constantine
As Cirta, the city was the capital of the Numidian kingdom, whose king Massinissa allied with Rome. It was later rebuilt by the emperor Constantine in the 4th century and took his name. Under the Ottomans, Constantine was the seat of a powerful bey, and it resisted French conquest until 1837. In 2015 it was the Arab Capital of Culture.
Day trips from Constantine
Constantine is the best base for eastern Algeria’s Roman sites, with Djemila, Timgad and Tiddis all within a day trip.
- Djemila: the mountain Roman city of Cuicul, a UNESCO site, about two hours west.
- Timgad: Trajan’s grid-planned colony near Batna, also a UNESCO site, about two hours south.
- Tiddis: a Roman town built in terraces on a hillside, close to Constantine.
- Guelma: a well-preserved Roman theater, to the east.
Read more in our guide to Roman ruins in Algeria.
How to get to Constantine
You can reach Constantine by domestic flight, by train or by road from Algiers.
- By air: domestic flights from Algiers to Mohamed Boudiaf Airport, plus some international routes.
- By train: a day train runs between Algiers and Constantine.
- By road: the East–West Highway links Constantine with Sétif and Algiers.
- In the city: a tram runs from the center to the newer districts, and taxis are easy to find.
Tips for visiting Constantine
- Stay at least one night so you see the bridges both in daylight and lit up at night.
- Wear good shoes. The old city is steep and uneven.
- Bring a jacket outside summer. Constantine is high and gets cold in winter.
- Carry cash for taxis, museums and markets.
- Combine it with Djemila and Timgad for a classic eastern Algeria loop.
Travel with a local guide
Simsem’s Algeria host, Freedom Travel Algeria, runs journeys that include Constantine:
Algeria Heritage Express: Algiers, Constantine & Roman Treasures – 5 Days Cultural Journey
Five days with Freedom Travel Algeria: Algiers and its Casbah, Constantine’s bridges and the Roman cities of Timgad and Djemila.
Algeria Grand Discovery: From Mediterranean Cities to the Red Sahara
Eleven days from the Mediterranean cities to the red oasis of Timimoun and the dunes of the Grand Erg.
Journey Algeria Explorer: From Roman Heritage to Saharan Adventures
Eight days from the Roman coast at Tipaza and Cherchell to the rock art and canyons of Tassili n’Ajjer.
See all Algeria experiences on Simsem.
FAQ
Why is Constantine called the City of Bridges?
Because the old city stands on a rock surrounded by the Rhumel gorge, and several bridges, including the Sidi M’Cid suspension bridge, link it to the rest of the city.
How high is the Sidi M’Cid bridge?
About 175 meters above the Rhumel River. When it opened in 1912, it was the highest bridge in the world, a record it held until 1929.
How many days do you need in Constantine?
One to two days for the city, plus a day each for Djemila and Timgad if you want to see the Roman sites.
How do you get from Algiers to Constantine?
By domestic flight, by the day train or by road on the East–West Highway.
What is Constantine famous for?
Its bridges and gorge, the Palace of Ahmed Bey, the Emir Abdelkader Mosque, malouf music and its long history as Cirta, capital of Numidia.
Is Constantine worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the most dramatic cities in North Africa and the best base for eastern Algeria’s Roman sites.
Sources
- Wikipedia — Sidi M’Cid Bridge
- Wikipedia — Constantine, Algeria
- Atlas Obscura — Sidi M’Cid Bridge
- Algérie 360 — Les ponts de Constantine
- Wikimedia Commons — photographs credited in each caption
