Things to do in Oran
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Bey’s Palace
Much of the area around the headland overlooking the port is a military zone, but don’t let that stop you visiting the misnamed Chateau Neuf (New Castle), which is in fact the old, 14th-century fort of Merinid Sultan Abou Hassan. While some of the complex is closed, the Bey’s Palace is open, in spite of closed gates (you may have to shout for the guard). The massive walls were first built in the 1340s by Merinid Sultan Abou Hassan and reinforced by the Spaniards in 1509, by the Ottomans in the 1700s and the French in the 19th century. The location is perfect, above the town, port and sea, and the gateway is impressive, but there is little majesty left in the building,…
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Place 1 Novembre
Oran's main square, the Place 1 Novembre, is the definitive expression of French rule in Oran. The city's main meeting place (called pl Napoleon, pl d'Armes and pl Maréchal Foch at various times in its history), it has a baroque theatre on one side and the town hall on the other, which was the city's main meeting place. In the middle of the square stands an obelisk topped with a Winged Victory, erected by French sculptor Dalou in 1898.
The original work commemorated the French soldiers who died at the battle of Sidi-Brahim in 1845. After independence the French sculpture was replaced by busts of the Sufi saint Moulay Abdelkader. The town hall, which Camus thought pretent…
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Musée National Ahmed Zabana
The main museum is little-visited by foreigners, but the Musée National Ahmed Zabana is one of the keys to understanding the city, although the collection doesn’t always live up to the grandeur of the building. A large 1st-floor room tells the local story of the battle for independence, most moving being the list of local people executed by the French between 1954 and 1962. The extensive, neglected natural history collection includes giant lobsters and calamari and, in the basement among the stuffed animals, a shark, all caught in the bay. More interesting are the ancient sculptures, some good mosaics and terracotta portraits. The paintings are more surprising, being a m…
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Pasha’s Mosque
The Pasha’s Mosque, below the western side of the Chateau Neuf, was built in 1797, as its foundation inscription attests, by ‘the great, the elevated, the respectable and useful, our master Sidi Hassan Bacha’. In better condition than the palace, it reflects in its elegance and lightness the joy at the city’s liberation from foreign rule.
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Le Corsaire
The restaurants by the Pecherie serve some of Oran’s best fish, but none match the Corsaire, its motto on y est bien en famille (you are among family here). Chose from the display and have it cooked the way you want. Paella, a speciality, is best ordered in advance. No alcohol.
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Grand Café Riche
The name is misleading: not a big, bustling café, but the restaurant of Hôtel Residence le Timgad. Food is standard French, the cloths are crisp white, the room curtained and service is friendly and efficient. Alcohol is served.
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Chateau Neuf
Much of the area around the headland overlooking the port is a military zone, but don't let that stop you visiting the misnamed Chateau Neuf, which is in fact the old, 14th-century fort of Merinid Sultan Abou Hassan.
reviewed
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El-Maaref
A helpful bookshop tucked into an arcade along this busy shopping street, which can usually get hold of Institut National de Cartographie maps of Algerian cities within 24 hours.
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Zenata Voyages
Offers a number of trips based around the culture and history of Oran and Tlemcen, as well as wine-tasting trips. It also organises hotel reservations and car hire.
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Abdallah Benmansour
Benmansour is one of Algeria’s most respected artists; his paintings hang in the shop and are for sale. He also sells stationary and art materials.
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Restaurant Cintra
An old-timer on one of the grand boulevards with an international menu of Catalan tuna, Spanish crevettes and French sole. Alcohol is served.
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213tv
A new Franco-Algerian operation with a mission to revitalise Oran’s cultural life, stages regular live music events.
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Club Sevilla
Club Sevilla is a cut above the rest. It’s a small bar with food and music till late.
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La Voile d'Or
A simple air-conditioned restaurant near a popular public garden, serving fresh fish dishes and alcohol.
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ONAT, Oran
This state-run organisation runs tours and can arrange both domestic and international plane tickets.
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Patisserie Algéroise
The best baklava and local pastries in town are sold at this patisserie.
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