Hamma Botanical Garden: A Verdant Oasis in Algiers

The Hamma Botanical Garden, also known as Jardin d'Essai du Hamma, is a 32-hectare (79-acre) oasis located in the Mohamed Belouizdad district of Algiers. Founded in 1832 by French colonial authorities, the garden initially served as a test site for acclimating plant species to Algeria's Mediterranean climate. Over time, it evolved into a renowned botanical center, boasting over 1,200 plant species from five continents.The garden is divided into distinct sections, including a French formal garden with terraces and sea views, an experimental zone with greenhouses, and an English garden featuring a pond with Japanese carp. Visitors can wander through shaded walkways lined with fountains, admire exotic flora like palm trees, cacti, and vibrant flowering plants, and explore the small zoo. The garden also holds historical significance, having served as an agricultural university and a filming location for the 1932 Tarzan movie.After facing disruptions due to World War II and Algeria's civil war, the Hamma Botanical Garden underwent restoration and reopened in 2009. Today, it attracts over 900,000 visitors annually and hosts educational programs for schoolchildren. Recognized as a natural and cultural treasure, the garden continues to blend scientific discovery with public enjoyment, offering a serene escape and a connection to Algeria's botanical heritage.