Bordj Bou Arréridj

Most people take vacations to get away from their busy life. The city, the urban lifestyle, and the noise are a bit of what tourists try to run away from. Then Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria is where you could make that sweet escape. Just148 miles far from the capital city Algiers, Bordj Bou Arreridj is situated near Hondar Massif in the southern Kabylia Mountains, at an elevation of 916 meters from sea level. A trip to this city would be like a hike to a natural yet wondrous mountain resort.


The ruins of the first capital, Hammadid emirs, portray a historical fortified Islamic city. It was built in 1007 and demolished in 1152. And Bordj Bou Arreridj’s mosque, with a prayer room of 13 aisles and eight bays, is historically one of the largest in all of Algeria.

Although the city is hardly urbane, it is not too laid back that you would worry about getting there or how well you will be accommodated. There are rails and main roads coming from the capital and other fellow cities. And accommodations are very cheap yet very liveable as well. Bordj Bou Arreridj boasts of fine architecture starting with The Mosque. Although the building is of Islamic influence, the structure pretty much looks like a Cathedral too; this reminds tourists of the European influence on Algeria in the past. And like any other city Algeria, Bordj Bou Arreridj is also very scenic at night. Its commercial center is covered in thick reflective glass as in that of modern skyscrapers. If you want to enjoy Bordj Bou Arreridj, it would be best to tour its downtown on foot. And for a great nature trip, the Boumargad forest is highly recommended.