Sidi M'Cid Bridge: Constantine's Dizzying Span

The Sidi M'Cid Bridge, also known as the 'Devil's Bridge' or the 'Suspended Bridge', is a captivating landmark in Constantine, Algeria. Spanning 164 meters across the Rhumel River gorge, this bridge is not only a vital link between different parts of the city but also a testament to early 20th-century engineering. Opened in April 1912, the bridge was designed by French engineer Ferdinand Arnodin and, for a time, held the title of the highest bridge in the world. Its hybrid cable-stayed suspension design bears a resemblance to the Brooklyn Bridge, though Sidi M'Cid boasts a greater height. The bridge's steel cables are anchored into the cliffs, allowing it to withstand the strong winds that often blow through the gorge. Walking across the Sidi M'Cid Bridge offers a unique and exhilarating experience, with panoramic views of Constantine's cityscape, the Rhumel Gorges, and the surrounding mountains. The bridge connects the Medina to the university hospital center. A natural bridge below partially obscures the river from view. The Monument of the Dead, a replica of the Arch of Trajan in Timgad, stands on the Sidi M'Cid hill side of the bridge, commemorating Constantine's fallen soldiers from World War I.