Djemaa Ketchoua

Lonely Planet review

Of all the central Algiers mosques the Djemaa Ketchoua has had the most turbulent history. Its exact date of construction is not known, but it is estimated as being some time at the beginning of the 17th century and certainly before the Djemaa el-Djedid. Its name translates as place or plateau of goats, a reminder of the time when this space - between the port and citadel - was open ground. It was remodelled in 1794 by Hassan Pasha, when he built his palace next door.

The work is commemorated by a long inscription that begins: 'What a beautiful mosque!' Today it seems more unusual than beautiful, with its high steps, three-tiered minarets and part-tiled walls.