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Mansourah: Echoes of a Besieged City

Explore the ruins of Mansourah near Tlemcen, a historic city that tells the tale of a prolonged siege and the rise and fall of empires.

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Mansourah, near Tlemcen, Algeria, stands as a testament to the 13th-century siege of Tlemcen. Founded as a military camp by the Marinid Sultan Abou Yacoub Yusuf in 1299, it grew into a city with a palace and mosque. Today, the ruins, including the towering minaret of the Mansourah Mosque, offer a glimpse into this historic past.

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  • VMC6+G3R, N22, Tlemcen, Mansourah, DZ

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the extensive site, as you'll be walking on uneven ground.
  • Visit during the cooler months (October to April) to avoid the intense summer heat.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Tlemcen to explore more of the region's history and culture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Mansourah town, the ruins are easily accessible by foot. Follow the main road leading west; the site is well-signposted. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Tlemcen and Mansourah. A short taxi ride from Tlemcen city center to Mansourah will cost approximately 610 DZD. Ensure the driver knows the location (Vestiges de Mansourah) to avoid confusion.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses connect Tlemcen with Mansourah. Check with the Tlemcen bus station (Gare Routière de Tlemcen) for the latest schedules. A one-way ticket costs around 14 DZD. From the bus stop in Mansourah, it's a short walk to the site.

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Mansourah, whose name means "the victorious," ironically never achieved its intended glory. Its story began in 1299 when the Marinid Sultan Abou Yacoub Yusuf established a military camp to besiege Tlemcen. The prolonged siege transformed the camp into a thriving city, complete with a palace, mosque, and fortifications. Despite the elaborate defenses, the Marinids' ambitions were cut short when the Sultan was assassinated, leading to their retreat and the abandonment of Mansourah. In 1335, Sultan Abou el-Hassan of Fès attempted another siege, further adding to the city's structures, most notably rebuilding the mosque. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the 12-meter-high walls that once protected the city. The most striking feature is the Mansourah Mosque, with its towering 40-meter minaret, reminiscent of the Tour Hassan in Rabat and the Giralda in Seville. The prayer hall, measuring 60m by 55m, gives an idea of the mosque's original grandeur. Although partially destroyed, the ruins evoke a powerful sense of history and offer a unique glimpse into the medieval Maghreb.

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