Roman ruins in Tipaza: discovering Algeria's picturesque scenery

Discover Algeria’s hidden ancient wonders with a visit to the Roman Ruins of Tipaza!

If you’re looking for a dreamy, typically Mediterranean setting, you’ve got to visit the Roman ruins of Tipaza. Once there, you’ll understand why this place was so cherished by the various civilizations that succeeded one another in the region! On the menu: turquoise waters, ancient ruins and charming wooded hills.

Find out everything you need to know about the Roman Ruins of Tipaza in this article!

On the trail of Tipaza’s Roman ruins

Photo credit: mehdi33300/Shutterstock.com

Around 5th B.C., the Phoenicians founded a trading post on these calm waters. The town takes its name from this origin, meaning « place of passage » or « port of call ».

Although not as important as the port of Caesaria (today’s Cherchell), Tipaza gradually became an important trade hub for the Phoenicians of Carthage, a port through which goods from Greece,Italy and Iberia passed and were sold. A Punic city, Tipaza was annexed by Rome in 146 BC, along with Mauritania (now the Maghreb), following the siege of Carthage.

Once conquered, Tipaza gradually developed into a full-fledged Roman colony by the 1st century. In the 2nd century, it reached its apogee with almost 20,000 inhabitants. During this period, Tipaza expanded to the west at the expense of an ancient Punic necropolis, which you can discover during your visit!

Despite its solid, 2km-long wall, Tipaza was destroyed and pillaged by the Vandals led by Genseric. Persecuted, the local Christians fled to Spain. The Byzantines, heirs to the Roman Empire, tried to bring this Roman colony back to life around the 6th century. After all, it was the perfect gateway to Mauritania. But they failed.

All that remains for travellers are the ruins and vestiges of a sumptuous era, green hills and the sea: a dream setting that seduced the Phoenicians when they arrived 2,500 years ago!

What lies behind the Roman ruins of Tipaza?

Photo credit: Sergey-73/Shutterstock.com

Fortunately for travelers in search of authentic adventure, Algeria is not a destination favored by the average tourist. The Roman ruins of Tipaza are a perfect illustration of the hidden treasures of this beautiful North African country. But what makes this jewel of world heritage so unique and so captivating is, of course, its marvellous setting, combined with the calm, serenity and magnificence of this forgotten Roman colony. The weight of the ages mingles with the picturesque authenticity of today’s Algerian coastal town.

The Roman ruins of Tipaza are divided into two main areas. The first, outside the ancient walls, is home to the Punic necropolis, an exceptional testimony to the Carthaginian era, and the funerary basilica of Saint Salsa. The second, the archaeological park, is home to most of the monuments unearthed. You can visit ancient houses, ancient baths and even the colony’samphitheatre. Although modest, it was the scene of gladiatorial clashes and even re-enacted naval battles! Tipaza is also home to early Christian tombs, the Great Basilica and the Basilica of Alexander.

Take advantage of your visit to Tipaza to see the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania (Kbor er Roumia), where the Berber king Juba II and his wife Cleopatra Selene II, daughter of Cleopatra and Marc Antony, are buried.

How to get there

Photo credit: De Leonid Andronov / Shutterstock.com

How?

The first step in visiting the Roman Ruins of Tipaza is to go to the present-day town of Tipaza, 74 kilometers fromAlgiers.

By car :

If you’ve landed in Algiers and opted to rent a car on arrival, you should know that it will take you around 1h30 to get to the Roman Ruins of Tipaza. You’ll need to take the Rocade Tipaza along the coast to reach the town.

On-site parking is available in nearby streets, but it is advisable to park in the pay parking lot close to the site.

By bus :

Tipaza can be reached by bus from Algiers. To do so, you can go to the small Tafourah bus station (served by the metro) in the center of Algiers. There, you can buy your ticket for Tipaza at a dedicated counter.

There’s no website to reserve your ticket, so you’ll have to go to the ticket counter at the station. Allow at least 1H30 to reach the Roman Ruins (depending on the number of stops and traffic conditions).

By tour operator :

You can also book a tour operator with a guide from Algiers. Before booking, make sure that the tour includes the Royal Mausoleum of Mauritania, which is located away from the town of Tipaza and not in the archaeological site.

When?

Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Tipaza’s Roman ruins can be visited all year round. To avoid the heat, it’s best to visit between September and May – outside the summer season. With the exception of the winter months, it’s possible to swim in the crystal-clear waters around Tipaza.

For sleeping

Photo credit: De Leonid Andronov / Shutterstock.com

On site

The city boasts several establishments and resorts for accommodation near the Tipaza Roman Ruins or not far from the beautiful local beaches. If you’re not sure where to stay near the Roman ruins in Tipaza, take a look at our article on the best neighborhoods in Tipaza.

Of course, it’s a good idea to plan ahead so that you have a wide choice of accommodation! To help you in your search, don’t hesitate to head to this hotel comparator or to theAirbnb website if you prefer a private home for a more authentic experience.

Nearby addresses

If you don’t want to stay near the Roman ruins of Tipaza, you can also choose to stay in nearby Cherchell – another of Algeria’s tourist towns – or in the capital, Algiers. For your convenience, we’ve also included an article on the best areas to stay in Algiers!

To eat in

Photo credit: De Leonid Andronov / Shutterstock.com

The Roman ruins of Tipaza are located not far from the port of Tipaza and its town center. It is not possible to picnic or eat in the archaeological park. However, there are a number of restaurants close to the port, including Restaurant Romana, Restaurant Le Dauphin and Albert Camus. Here you can enjoy delicious seafood specialities.

To take in my backpack

Photo credit: De Leonid Andronov / Shutterstock.com

On the North African coast, it’s often very hot, so it’s best to equip yourself accordingly to avoid sunburn or sunstroke.

We recommend that you bring :

Water bottle or flask
Non-polluting sunscreen is better for the environment!
A hat or cap to protect you from the sun
Your bathing suit and beach towel
A camera
And good walking shoes to reach the steepest spots!

What I can discover in the region

Photo credit: De TheRunoman / Shutterstock.com

Tipaza and the surrounding area are full of wonders! We strongly advise you to set aside some time to visit Tipaza’s Roman ruins. Here’s what you don’t want to miss during your stay:

The Royal Mausoleum of Mauritania, not far from town
The port of Tipaza and its typical boats
The Centre arabe d’archéologie, a small museum in Tipaza
The town of Cherchell (ancient Caesaria)
The Roman ruins of Caesaria
The hills between Tipaza and Cherchell, a natural area for hikers and nature lovers
Tipaza beaches: Chenoua, plage des Pins, les plages bleues