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Timgad: The Pompeii of North Africa

Step back in time at Timgad, a remarkably preserved Roman city in Algeria, showcasing impressive architecture and urban planning from the 1st century AD.

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Explore the remarkably preserved Roman ruins of Timgad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Algeria, founded by Emperor Trajan in 100 AD. Wander through the grid-patterned streets, marvel at the Trajan's Arch, and imagine life in this once-thriving Roman colony nestled in the Aurès Mountains.

A brief summary to Roman Ruins of Timgad

  • FFP9+W3P, Timgad, DZ
  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the uneven terrain of the ancient ruins.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as the site offers little shade.
  • Consider visiting during the cooler months (October-April) to avoid the intense summer heat.
  • Allow ample time to explore the extensive site, including the theater, Trajan's Arch, and the residential areas.
  • Hire a local guide at the entrance for a more in-depth understanding of the site's history and significance.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Constantine, take a bus to Batna. From the Batna North bus station, take local bus number 7 to the Batna East bus station. Then, take the bus to Timgad, which will drop you off at the ruins. The entire journey takes approximately 3 hours. The bus from Constantine to Batna and onward to Timgad costs approximately DZD 500.

  • Taxi

    From Batna, a shared taxi to Timgad costs around DZD 300. A private taxi from Constantine can be arranged for around DZD 10,000.

  • Walking

    Once you arrive at the Timgad bus station, walk along Rue des Ruines Romaines, past the petrol station, until you reach the entrance to the ruins.

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Discover more about Roman Ruins of Timgad

Timgad, also known as Thamugadi, offers a captivating journey into Roman North Africa. Founded in 100 AD by Emperor Trajan, this military colony was designed as a bastion against Berber tribes and a home for Roman veterans. Its strategic location in the Aurès Mountains, about 35 kilometers east of Batna, Algeria, contributed to its initial prosperity. The city's layout exemplifies Roman urban planning with its orthogonal grid, cardo (north-south street), and decumanus (east-west street). Explore the remains of Trajan's Arch, a 12-meter-high triumphal arch, the 3,500-seat theater, the public library, and numerous bath complexes. The Capitol, dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, reflects the city's religious life. While Timgad enjoyed peace for centuries, it eventually faced challenges, including sack by the Vandals in the 5th century and destruction by Berber tribes. Although the Byzantines briefly revived the city, the Arab conquest led to its abandonment by the 8th century. Rediscovered in the late 19th century, Timgad's well-preserved ruins provide insights into Roman life in North Africa and earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1982. Today, visitors can wander through the eerily abandoned streets, explore the remains of houses, and admire the columns that once lined the city's thoroughfares. Climb to the top of the theater for panoramic views of the site and surrounding landscape. Although the museum, which houses a collection of mosaics, has been closed for many years, the ruins themselves offer a tangible connection to the past.

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