Algiers (El Djazair; Alger) Algeria the country's largets city, chief port and capital, lying at the center of Algeria's coastline. Founded on four islands (now joined to the mainland) by the Phoenicians about 1200 BC, it became a thriving port in Roman times, only to fall into disuse with the fall of the Roman empire. It was refounded by Muslim Arabs in the 10th century. From the 16th to 18th cemturies, the Barbary pirates, who preyed on vessels in th e Mediterranean, made it the center of theire activities. In 1830 France invaded Algeria, wich was declared French territory in 1848. Under the French, Algiers became a modern commercial port, increasing its population from a few thousand in 1830 to over 1 million by 1970. Wine, citrus fruits, and iron ore are important export, and the city has chemical, light engineering and consumer goods industries.

The Kasbah (Arab city), wich its citadel and old houses that have remainded in the same families for generations, is maze of twisting, picturesque streets. The Museum of Popular Arts stands at the foot of the Kasbah. The modern town centers on the Admiralty Building. To the east is the fishing port and market. Above the city and overlooking the bay is the former summer palace of the governor, the Bardo Museum of Ethnography, wich is housed in an 18th-century Turkish villa, and the Stephane Gsell Museum, wich counatins Roman antiquities, Islamic art and archaeological remains. There are several other museum and fine mosques.

Population: 2.200.000 El Djazair

Three colours define it. Algiers-El Djazair- would not be so white without the blue of the sea and the green of the gardens. El Djazair means "the islands" but once linked to the shore, these islets have become a jetty. So, Algiers is not an island but its name remained.

Let's embark to El-Djazair, even if our ship is plane relating Paris, Milano, Frankfurt or London to the White House "Dar El Beida". A multiple town: Of its past, testify the palaces and the allies of the Kasbah. Along the litoral, new quarters are feverishly constructed. A modest town: it does not surrender directly. One has to deserve his happiness, to loaf about, to climb the stairs, to pause for a while in the gardens or the museums.

The history is present everywhere. In the style of estates, the charm of patios, the geartness of the three palms of beton set up for the glory of the Liberation combatabts. Coulours and fragrance. That of Algiers is delicate. To reddences citrus is mingled the peppery smell of spices.
Algiers, the beautiful, wants to be loved with passion.

One day in Algiers is a minimum. The Kasbah, for sure. Reach it from above, near the Fort, and go down along the tortuous allies. Impregnate yourself with the smells of open air markets.
To be visited absolutely: the Museum of Popular Arts. In front of the Ketchaouas Mosque, of a Moorich inspiration, constructed in 1794, do not forget to visit the charming "Princesses' Palace" or "Dar Azziza". The Mosque of the fishery and the neighbouring Djamaa El-Kebir (The Great Mosque) offer a remarkable architectural and aesthetic interest. Let's wander along the sea-front and then go up to "the Martyr Memorial". There, a beautiful sight of the "Great Algiers" and the "Trial Garden" is offered. In El-Biar district, one can have pleasant walks along the beautiful villas which have often become Embassies. By one hour drive: Tipaza, its Roman Ruins and the Chenoua cliff-road.