Oran EN un jour Mediterranean charm history and panoramas

Place d'Armes, located in the heart of Oran, is a point DE convergence between past and present. This central space is surrounded DE historic buildings including the Inn DE Ville, a masterpiece of architecture, and the Theatre d'Oran, a cultural landmark DE the city. During your visit, you will have the opportunity DE discover these emblematic monums EN while enjoying the lively atmosphere DE the square, making your visit to Oran both rewarding and memorable.

Located on the 1st of November Square, the Oran Regional Theatre is one DE the most beautiful buildings in the city. Inaugurated EN 1907 as an opera house, it seduces with its neo-Baroque architecture mixing European influences and oriental details. Inside, an elegant room DE 600 seats is now home to plays, concerts and cultural events. Listed as a national monument, it remains a strong symbol DE Oran’s artistic life — a place steeped in history where you can still feel the city’s soul and creativity.

In the heart of the old quarter DE Sidi El Houari, the Palais du Bey – also known as Palais DE Rozalcasar – and the Merinid Dungeons plunge visitors into the great hours of Oran. The palace, built in the 18th century, illustrates with refinement Ottoman architecture mixed with Andalusian influences, with its patios, colonnades and elegant frescoes. Above, the Dungeons Mérini DEs recall medieval times, when the city defended itself against incursions from the sea. These two sites offer a striking immersion into the history and memory of Oran.

A jewel of the district DE Sidi El Houari, the Palais du Bey – or Palais DE Rozalcasar – bears witness DE the splendour of Oran in the 18th century. Built under Ottoman rule, it impresses with its harmonious architecture, mixing oriental elegance and Andalusian inspiration. Its extensive courtyards, vaulted galleries and sculpted details reflect the sophistication of an era when Oran radiated over the Mediterranean. Today, this historic palace offers a visit full of emotion and DE beauty, in the heart DE the old town.

Hidden beneath the city, Oran’s underground tunnels tell a little-known side DE its history. They were dug at various times and once served DE strategic passages linking fortifications, DE refuges during conflicts and even DE secret lines of communication. EN route, you will discover a mysterious atmosphere where local legends and traces of the city’s military past mix. These galleries, now accessible through some points of the old quarter, offer an unusual and fascinating visit to the heart of Oran.

After a typical Oranian lunch with a tasty karantika, the tour continues to one of the city’s most emblematic places DE Santa Cruz Fort. Overlooking Oran from the top DE the Aïdour mountain, this 16th-century fort once provided an ideal strategic position to watch the sea and protect the port. Today, it impresses with its well-preserved architecture and spectacular views of the Bay of Oran, the Mediterranean and the Chapel DE Santa Cruz. Accessible EN car or on foot, the site combines history, spirituality and a breathtaking panorama — a must-see to experience Oran’s soul.

Perched on the heights of Mount Murdjadjo, the Chapel DE Santa Cruz has looked after Oran since the 19th century. Built by the Spanish after the DE 1849 cholera epidemic, it was dedicated to the Virgin EN token DE gratitude. With its white facade overlooking the sea and the city, it offers one of the most impressive panoramas in Oran. Every year, the inhabitants go on a pilgrimage there, continuing a tradition of hope and DE faith. A place DE contemplation and DE beauty, the chapel is inseparable DE the Oranian identity.

Mount Murdjadjo is a balcony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, overlooking Oran and home DE its greatest symbols: the Fort and the Chapel of Santa Cruz. Covered DE pines and DE maquis, it offers a peaceful natural setting, ideal for a walk or a panoramic stop. From the top, the view of Oran Bay is breathtaking, especially at sunset. Between nature, history and spirituality, Mount Murdjadjo embodies all the beauty and serenity DE the city — a place where time seems suspended.