Cherchell

Cherchell is a coastal town on the Mediterranean Sea with mountain backdrops and a natural harbor for ships. The townscape features ancient Roman ruins, including a theater, thermal baths, and remains of structures from classical times.

The settlement was originally called Iol and served as the capital of ancient Mauretania under King Juba II before Romans renamed it Caesarea and made it a colony. This transformation marked a turning point in the town's development and strategic importance.

The town's museums display Roman artwork, mosaics, and artifacts spanning different periods of North African history. These collections tell the story of the people who lived here across the centuries.

Visitors can explore the archaeological sites including the Roman theater and thermal baths along marked paths starting from Martyrs' Square in the town center. Most ruins are located close to each other and are easy to reach on foot.

An ancient aqueduct system is visible from several vantage points throughout town and demonstrates impressive Roman engineering for transporting water over long distances. Many visitors overlook these hidden water channels even though they run through various parts of the area.

Location: Cherchell District

GPS coordinates: 36.60750,2.19000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 13:14