The Roman forum
Large paving and carved capitals.
Bernard Gagnon — CC BY 4.0 · Yelles — CC BY-SA 3.0 · R hakka — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kebbab abdelaziz — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Aek Rebzani — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Bernard Gagnon — CC BY 4.0
Ancient Caesarea is the remains at Cherchell, a coastal town that was capital of the kingdoms of Numidia and Mauretania and then an important Roman colony. Its ruins lie among the streets of the modern town, so you see columns, a forum and carved capitals amid daily life, 89 km west of Algiers. The Phoenicians founded it as Iol, perhaps around 600 BC, and it became one of the main Punic centres in Algeria. It then served as a royal court for Micipsa of Numidia and as capital for Bocchus. Juba II named it Caesarea in honour of Augustus. The grammarian Priscian came from its schools. Muslim forces took it in the late seventh century. Its modern name may come from a Berber word for waterfall. In the town centre lies a Roman forum of large paving stones, set with carved capitals, with palms among them. Nearby is an archaeological museum with Roman pieces, including a head of Ptolemy of Mauretania. Away from town a Roman aqueduct crosses the Sidi Amar valley on tall arches among the trees. The old harbour looks out to sea. Cherchell is 79.2 km in a straight line west of Algiers and 22.6 km west of Tipasa, so the two fit into one day. The pieces are scattered, so take your time, and ask at the museum about hours. Do not sit or climb on the capitals, which are ancient. Town traffic is busy, so cross with care, and dress modestly near homes.
Large paving and carved capitals.
Tall arches among the trees.
Roman pieces from the town.
Cherchell town, Tipaza Province
Yes, they are close, and both make a day trip from Algiers.
You can see it from the street, and ask at the museum about entry.