Balcon Saint-Raphaël, Public observation terrace in El Biar, Algeria
Balcon Saint-Raphaël is a public observation terrace in El Biar perched on a cliff above the sea. From this vantage point, you can see across the entire Bay of Algiers and out to the Mediterranean.
In 1830, French forces used this strategic location to position artillery during their military operations. A landslide in 1845 destroyed the Swedish consulate that once stood here.
The terrace serves as a meeting place where local residents gather to chat and watch the harbor activity below. It reflects how people from the neighborhood use this spot as part of their daily routine.
The terrace is accessible by public buses that serve the El Biar district throughout the day. It is best visited early in the morning or late afternoon when it is less crowded and visibility is clearest.
After the 1845 landslide, this site was converted into public gardens rather than rebuilt as it had been before. This transformation is why it exists today as an open recreational space for everyone.
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