Known as the city of bridges it would be fair to say that Constantine does what it says on the tin. And that is a city that is quite literally full of bridges, nice ones too.
There is though much more to this place than a few quaint bridges and there is much more of a tale to why they have them. Constantine is an important place so it is, so much so that the President of Algeria was even in town at the same time as us.
Table of Contents
What the Constantine
Constantine is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the region, with its roots going right back to the Numidian period. It became truly important during Roman times when it was named after Constantine the Great and quickly turned into a fortified centre of power. The city sits on a huge rocky plateau cut in half by the Rhumel Gorge which made it easy to defend and hard to invade.
This natural layout is exactly why Constantine became so significant and why it kept that importance through the Byzantine era, the Arab arrival, the Ottomans and right into French colonial times. Even now it is considered one of the cultural capitals of Algeria, known for architecture, music, universities and a real local pride that you do not get everywhere. It is old, it is dramatic and you can feel the history the moment you step into it.
And the Bridges
The bridges of Constantine are what give the city its insane layout and character. Because the place is split by a terrifyingly deep gorge the only way to link everything together was to build a network of bridges. The city has more than half a dozen significant ones, each with its own story and style. Walking across them gives you views you will not get anywhere else in Algeria and the sensation of hanging above a massive drop never stops being fun.
Sidi M’Cid Bridge
Built in 1912, this suspension bridge connects the old city with the modern quarter. It hangs 175 metres above the gorge and walking across it gives you vertigo-inducing views of Constantine.
Mellah Slimane Footbridge
A smaller pedestrian bridge, perfect for walking and photography. It connects local neighbourhoods and is often bustling with people moving between markets.
Sidi Rached Bridge
Constructed in the 19th century, this is an impressive stone viaduct with 27 arches. It is still used today for both vehicles and pedestrians and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Bab El Kantara Bridge
Dating back to Ottoman times, this bridge was rebuilt during French rule. It links two parts of the old town and offers amazing views of the surrounding cliffs.
El Kantara Old Bridge
The oldest surviving bridge in Constantine, built with traditional stone techniques. It is a reminder of the city’s long history and the engineering skills of past generations.
Perregaux Bridge
Named during the French period, this modern bridge handles most of the city traffic and is an essential link for locals. It also frames the gorge beautifully for anyone taking photos.
Getting to Constantine and Away
Getting to Constantine is actually much easier than people think. You can fly in from Algiers as well as from a few international destinations and the airport is only a short drive from the city centre. The train is the real winner though with regular services linking Constantine to Algiers, Annaba and Setif. Trains in Algeria are comfortable and cheap and it makes rolling into the city a lot more fun than battling the roads. Buses also connect Constantine to other parts of the country but they take longer and can be a bit chaotic depending on where you are coming from.
Once in the city you will find taxis everywhere and most of the main sights are close enough together that you can walk between them if you are not terrified of heights. Accommodation ranges from very simple budget hotels to decent modern places and everything is reasonably priced when compared to Western cities. Getting away is just as easy with trains and planes running regularly so you are never stuck. It is a very straightforward city to travel to and from which makes it ideal for slotting into a wider Algeria itinerary.
Eating and drinking in Constantine
Eating and drinking in Constantine is a proper adventure. The city is steeped in history but it is not about fancy tourist cafes it is about streetside joints markets and tiny restaurants where locals actually eat. Start with shawarma or merguez sandwiches from a stall you will see people grabbing them at all hours.
Tagine is everywhere rich and slow cooked and lamb or chicken versions dominate. The sweet spots are the patisseries with baklava makroud and local pastries loaded with dates and nuts. Coffee is serious business here thick and sweet often served in tiny cups in cafes overlooking the gorges. Alcohol is not readily available, but can be gotten. There will be a street food Constantine article at some point too!
The Constantine Vibe
Algeria itself is already a bloody impressive country with even Algiers offering enough to keep you entertained. It is though when you leave the big smoke where the magic happens. This comes in places like Djemila Oran, Tipasa and Ghardaia. Yet while these are all great Constantine is perhaps the jewel in the crown.
Why is this? Well the bridges and layout of the city are just insane in a beautiful way you understand. But there is also a real cool vibe to Constantine as well as a pride in it that makes it really quite special.
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