For a trip to Tlemcen, the Great Mosque, Mechouar, city gates and Grand Bassin offer different historical points of interest. The themes range from religious architecture and the history of rule to urban orientation and water management.
The Great Mosque and its historical context
Youssef Ibn Tachfine had the Great Mosque of Tlemcen built in 1136. In the same year, his son Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf decorated the mihrab, the mosque’s prayer niche. The architectural motifs reflect influences from the civilizations that shaped Tlemcen. In the 13th century, a Zianid sultan had the minaret raised; Zianid rulers also added a library, chandeliers and other facilities. Another mosque offers a different historical reference point: the Marinid sultan Abu Inan Faris had the Sidi El Haloui Mosque built in 1353. The Sidi Senoussi Mausoleum was built by a Zianid sultan known as al-Thabiti.
Mechouar, city gates and Grand Bassin
The Mechouar citadel lies to the south of Tlemcen and was built by Yaghmurasen ibn Zyan in the middle of the 7th century AH. The royal palace of Mechouar houses the National Centre for Traditional Algerian Clothing.
Bab El Khemis is at the western exit from Tlemcen. Bab El Qarmadin was built by the Almoravids; the Almohads restored it between the 12th and 13th centuries. Together, the gates reflect different aspects of the city’s history: one marks its western orientation, while the other has a history of construction and restoration.
Grand Bassin was created in 1317 by Sultan Abd al-Rahman Abu Tashfin to irrigate the orchards and fields of the El Menia plain north of the city. It was also renovated for walks and recreation for residents. In the ruins of Mansoura, in the wider area around the destination, a mosque was built in 1302 during the first Marinid siege of Tlemcen.
The connection to the Lalla Setti Plateau
A cable car connects Tlemcen city centre with the Lalla Setti Plateau, which is 800 metres high. Check its current operating status before planning a trip. This high-altitude destination complements the historical themes of mosques, gates and Mechouar.
Landscapes of Tlemcen Province
The following landscape information specifically concerns Tlemcen Province, not individual features of the city of Tlemcen. Tlemcen National Park is mountainous and lies in the northern part of the Tlemcen Mountains in western Algeria. Its current area is 8,225.04 hectares; it may change if the proposed expansion is implemented.
Another natural area is Dhayat el Ferd in the municipality of El Arricha and the Daïra of Sebdou. The protected wetland covers more than 1,275 hectares; more than 80 species of migratory birds pass through each year. The landscapes are clearly distinct in regional terms: the national park is mountainous, while Dhayat el Ferd is a wetland with regular bird migrations.
The coast of the Wilaya of Tlemcen is also part of the regional picture. In summer, it is considered a popular recreation destination for holidaymakers from across the country. The mountains, wetland and coast are distinct landscape features of Tlemcen Province, separate from the city’s historic buildings.
Discover more destinations: Maghnia.
See the main travel overview: Tlemcen.
