Discover Constantine through three architectural themes: historic bridges, the Ahmed Bey Palace and the regional theatre. Their construction histories, dimensions and design features offer different starting points for a cultural stay. If you are looking for hotels in Constantine, consider whether you are especially interested in bridge construction, palace architecture or theatre.
Bridges: Construction History and Different Dimensions
The Sidi M’cid Bridge is also known as a suspension bridge and rises 175 metres above the water of the western Rhumel. It was inaugurated on 19 April 1912. Two specific details stand out when considering its architecture: its classification as a suspension bridge and its height above the water.
The Sidi Rached Bridge is notable for different dimensions. It opened to traffic in 1912, is 447 metres long and 10.5 metres wide. Its widest arch has a diameter of 70 metres. These figures describe different aspects of the structure: the bridge’s overall length and the span of its largest arch. This makes it possible to compare it with the Sidi M’cid Bridge, whose height above the water is a distinctive feature.
The El-Kantara Bridge offers another construction history and is considered the oldest bridge in Constantine. Salah Bey had it built in 1792 on the ruins of a Roman bridge; in 1860, it was rebuilt by the French. It adds an older history of construction and reconstruction to the two bridges associated with 1912.
Ahmed Bey Palace: Area and Open Spaces
Construction of Ahmed Bey Palace began in 1825 and continued until 1835, a total of ten years. It covers an area of 5,600 square metres. When viewing the palace, you can therefore take into account both its long construction period and the size of the complex.
After its restoration, the palace became a museum and exhibition venue for rare historical collection pieces. The four open areas include the orange grove, the palm garden, the water basin and the courtyard. These names give an idea of the complex’s varied design without prescribing a particular order for visiting it. If you plan to visit the interior, check current visiting arrangements in advance.
Constantine Regional Theatre
The building that houses the Constantine Regional Theatre was constructed between 1877 and 1883 to a design by architect Paul Gon. The theatre is designed in the Italian opera style and has boxes and galleries. It can seat up to 600 spectators.
The building details also make it possible to compare the regional theatre with Ahmed Bey Palace: the theatre covers 1,568 square metres and is rectangular in shape, with an Italian-style design. Together with its theatrical form, boxes and galleries, this brings the interior and spatial design into focus. By contrast, the palace is notable for its four open areas and its area. This lets you consider the buildings by their specific features rather than classifying them only by name or period.
For an overview of the wider trip: Constantine.
