World Heritage Site

Photo provided by Michael Novins

Djemila is a mountain village in Algeria, near the northern coast east of Algiers, where some of the best preserved Roman ruins in North Africa are found.

It was recognized because of its unique adaptation of Roman architecture to a mountain environment. Buildings present in Djemila include a theatre, two fora, temples, basilicas, arches, streets, and houses.

Thomas Buechler Switzerland 04-May-16

Setif is a good headquarter from where to explore the Roman ruins of Djemila, the antique

Roman settlement of Cuicul. Select a trustworthy driver and start, half a day is enough for the 35km distance. For the very first time I had to register with the local police at the entrance gate, I found it a little exagerated, but locals always say that it's for security reasons. Djemila in spring time is unbelievable beautiful. It is the symbiosis of the flowers with the ruins that was so unique. I was told that April/May is the best season to come here. But I can also feel the Sahara dust in the air. Besides of the Basilica, the Arc and various Temples, there are Baths and a very interesting museum with famous mosaic tiles like the Toilet of Venus. Its by far the best museum I have seen in Algeria. On the way back to Setif the police insists of an car escort out of Djemila, a bit exagerated I guess as there were really no security concerns.

Darren, USA 16-Nov-10

This is one of the finest roman cities that you can visit. The forum, Severan temple, arch and theatre are impressive. The setting is is in the hills with a triangular city layout. The mosaics in the museum are also among the best you will see.

arniel omayan, philipines, cebu 30-Nov-09

we went there djemila, we travel from annaba to constantine to djemila and the museum of alexander d' great so very nice place we see the old arena still have the old lavatory, limited time only to navigate inside, because we reach the museum of alexander d great, 15 min before closing time.