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Grand Bassin: A Royal Reservoir Turned Public Garden

Discover the historic Grand Bassin in Tlemcen: a royal reservoir turned public garden, offering a serene escape and cultural experiences.

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The Grand Bassin in Tlemcen, Algeria, is a historical reservoir dating back to the 14th century, transformed into a serene public garden. Once used for royal recreation and irrigation, it now offers a peaceful retreat with Andalusian-style evenings.

A brief summary to Grand Bassin

  • VMJM+55V, N22, Tlemcen, Tlemcen, DZ
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy a leisurely stroll around the garden as the sun sets.
  • Check the local events calendar for Andalusian music evenings held at the Grand Bassin.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby historical sites such as the Great Mosque and the El Mechouar Palace.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Tlemcen Museum, walk west along Rue de la Paix, then turn left onto Rue de la République. Continue straight, and the Grand Bassin will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. There are no costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take a local bus from El Mechouar towards 'Tlemcen Gare' or 'Bassin'. The bus fare is approximately 20 DZD. Alight at the 'bassin، gare du grand' bus stop. From there, walk for about 5 minutes towards the cable car station, following signs for 'مصعد عمومي téléphérique grand bassin'.

  • Taxi

    A taxi ride from the city center (e.g., from Place Emir Abdelkader) to Grand Bassin typically costs around 200-300 DZD. The journey takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Grand Bassin

The Grand Bassin, also known as Sahridj Enbada, is a captivating landmark in Tlemcen, Algeria, steeped in history and legend. This large basin, measuring 200 meters in length, 100 meters in width, and 3 meters in depth, was originally constructed in 1317 by Sultan Abdul Rahman Abu Tashfin. It served as a reservoir to irrigate the orchards and fields of the Minya plain, north of the city. Legend has it that the Grand Bassin was also designed for the amusement of a Tlemcen king's daughter, who would come to bathe here. Over time, it may have been used for naval exercises and recreation by the royal family. However, the site witnessed tragic events during the early Ottoman era and later fell into neglect. During French colonial rule, the basin was restored and repurposed as a promenade. Today, the Grand Bassin functions as a public garden where locals and tourists can enjoy tranquil walks and relax amidst the greenery. It is also a venue for Andalusian music evenings, adding a cultural dimension to its appeal. Although the palaces that once adorned the site have disappeared, the Grand Bassin remains a significant historical and cultural attraction in Tlemcen.

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