Altava

Altava is an archaeological site near the Oued Isser valley featuring remains of walls and building foundations scattered across a small plain. The layout reveals different phases of human settlement and structures from various periods.

The site began as a Roman settlement in the 2nd century within the province of Mauretania Caesariensis. After 429 it became the capital of an independent kingdom ruled by Berbers.

Inscriptions at the site mention the Christian martyr Ianuarius and show how the community shifted toward Christianity. A house of prayer from the 4th century stands as evidence of this religious transformation and reveals how faith shaped daily life here.

The site sits near National Road 7 and is fairly easy to reach if traveling from the direction of Tlemcen. The location has limited facilities, so visitors should plan independently and allow extra time for exploration.

A bronze tool discovered here shows that people lived on this land before the Romans arrived. This find is unusual because other early artifacts are rare at the site.

Location: Ouled Mimoun

GPS coordinates: 34.88639,-1.02478

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45