Overview
The Casbah of Algiers is the historic soul of the capital: the old Ottoman city, a near-vertical labyrinth of whitewashed houses, covered passages, fountains, mosques and former palaces tumbling down the hillside toward the Mediterranean. Layered over a much older settlement and shaped mainly between the 16th and 18th centuries, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992.
What to see
Within the maze are restored Ottoman palaces and houses (some open to visitors), historic mosques, tiny squares and the famous stepped lanes that have featured in films and revolutionary history alike — the Casbah was a stronghold during the Battle of Algiers. It is one of the most atmospheric quarters in the Mediterranean, and also one of the most fragile, with ongoing restoration work.
Practical
Explore the Casbah on foot and, ideally, with a local guide — the lanes are steep and disorienting, and a guide will take you into restored houses and explain the history you’d otherwise walk past. Go by day, wear sturdy shoes, dress modestly, and ask before photographing residents.
