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Palace of the Dey: A Glimpse into Ottoman Algiers

Explore the Palace of the Dey in Algiers, a historic Ottoman-era landmark within the UNESCO-listed Casbah, offering insights into Algeria's rich past.

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The Palace of the Dey, also known as Algiers Castle, is an Ottoman-era palace located in the Casbah of Algiers. Completed in the 16th century, it was once the second-largest palace in the Ottoman Empire, after Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. Today, it functions as a museum showcasing Algeria's rich history and Ottoman influence.

A brief summary to Palace of the Dey

  • Q3M3+QX4, Boulevard Mohamed Taleb, Casbah, Algiers [El Djazaïr], DZ
  • Monday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-12 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience of the palace.
  • Allocate at least two hours to fully appreciate the exhibits and the architecture of the Palace of the Dey.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the palace has many staircases and uneven surfaces to navigate.
  • Check for any ongoing restoration work that might affect access to certain areas of the palace.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Ketchaoua Mosque in the Casbah, walk north along Rue Bab Azzoun, then turn left onto Boulevard Mohamed Taleb. The Palace of the Dey will be on your left, approximately a 5-minute walk. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Martyrs' Square, take bus line 1 or 9 towards Casbah. Get off at the 'Palais du Dey' stop on Boulevard Mohamed Taleb. The fare is approximately 30 DZD. Algiers also has a metro and tram system. A single metro ticket costs about 50 DZD.

  • Taxi

    From downtown Algiers, take a taxi to Boulevard Mohamed Taleb in the Casbah. Show the driver the address: Q3M3+QX4, Boulevard Mohamed Taleb, Casbah. The fare should be around 200-300 DZD, depending on the starting point. The starting price of a taxi in Algiers is 40 DZD, with each KM priced at 50 DZD. It's best to negotiate the final price with the driver before getting into the cab.

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Discover more about Palace of the Dey

The Palace of the Dey, or Algiers Castle, stands as a significant historical landmark within the UNESCO-listed Casbah of Algiers. Completed in the 16th century, this palace was once the second-largest in the Ottoman Empire, after Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. Originally built as a military structure, it evolved into the seat of government in 1818 when Hussein Dey moved his residence here. Hussein Dey lived in the palace for 12 years. The palace witnessed the infamous "Fan Incident" in 1827, which led to the French declaration of war against Algeria. The palace is a fusion of Moorish, Ottoman, and European architectural styles, featuring three floors surrounding a rectangular courtyard. Inside, visitors can explore suites, apartments, kitchens, and traditional hammams (bathhouses). The palace also housed two mosques, a public room (diwan), and an armory. The building was decorated by Hispano-Moresque ware originated from Andalucia and popularized in Tunisia in the 15th century. Today, the Palace of the Dey functions as a museum showcasing Algeria's history, Ottoman influence, and the lives of the Deys. Ongoing restoration efforts aim to preserve this architectural gem for future generations. Visitors can admire the intricate designs, splendid tile work, and historical artifacts that narrate Algeria's journey through time.

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