in Algiers, Algeria
Notre Dame d'Afrique
This stunning Neo-Byzantine basilica perches on a clifftop 124 meters above the Mediterranean Sea, offering panoramic views of Algiers Bay. Built between 1858-1872, it features beautiful mosaics, stained glass windows, and the inscription 'Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims'.
Notre Dame d'Afrique is a Neo-Byzantine Catholic basilica built on a cliff edge in the Bouzaréah district of Algiers, rising 124 metres above the Mediterranean Sea. Construction began in 1858 under the direction of architect Jean-Eugène Fromageau and the basilica was consecrated in 1872, replacing an earlier chapel that had stood at the same site since the 1840s. The basilica is the principal Catholic pilgrimage site in Algeria and one of the most architecturally distinctive buildings in the country.
The exterior is constructed in alternating bands of white and ochre stone, giving a striped appearance characteristic of the North African variant of the Neo-Byzantine style. The dome and bell tower punctuate the clifftop skyline and are visible from much of the Bay of Algiers. The interior is richly decorated with mosaics covering the apse and side chapels, stained glass windows designed in the French workshop tradition, and votive offerings covering the walls of a dedicated side chapel. The gilded statue of the Virgin above the high altar has been the focus of Marian devotion since the church's founding.
The basilica is renowned for its inscription carved above the high altar: Notre Dame d'Afrique, priez pour nous et pour les musulmans — Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims — a statement of interfaith openness dating to the nineteenth century that has made the basilica a symbol of religious coexistence in Algeria.
Access is via a cable car (téléphérique) that departs from the lower city near the Casbah, ascending through the hillside residential districts; the cable car ride itself provides panoramic views of Algiers and the bay. Alternatively, taxis reach the basilica directly from the city centre. Visits typically take one hour. The clifftop terrace outside the western facade provides the most expansive views of the Bay of Algiers; late afternoon light over the sea and the lower city is a favourite subject for photographers. Admission to the basilica is free, though donations are welcomed. Visitors should dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, as the building is an active place of worship.
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Best for: sightseers, photographers, couples
Location
Rue de Oued Kniss, Algiers 16000, Algeria
36.7881, 3.0548 — View on map
Highlights
- Panoramic views of the Bay of Algiers and the Mediterranean Sea from the clifftop terrace, 124 metres above sea level
- Striped Neo-Byzantine exterior in alternating white and ochre stone, with a dome and bell tower visible from across the city
- Interior mosaics and stained glass with hundreds of votive offerings filling the dedicated side chapel
- The famous inscription 'Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims', a 19th-century statement of interfaith openness
- Cable car (téléphérique) access from the lower city, offering aerial views of Algiers on the ascent
Tips
- Take the cable car for scenic access
- Best views at sunset
- Combine with visit to nearby Martyrs Monument
- Dress respectfully when entering
FAQ
Is entry to Notre Dame d'Afrique free?
Yes, admission to the basilica is free. Donations are welcomed. The cable car from the lower city involves a separate ticket purchase.
What are the best views from Notre Dame d'Afrique?
The clifftop terrace on the western facade provides the widest views over the Bay of Algiers and the city below. Late afternoon, roughly one to two hours before sunset, produces the most dramatic light on the sea.
Is Notre Dame d'Afrique open to non-Catholic visitors?
Yes, the basilica is open to visitors of all backgrounds and is widely regarded as a symbol of interfaith respect in Algeria. The famous inscription over the altar — which includes a prayer for Muslims — reflects the basilica's longstanding ecumenical character.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 30 to 60 minutes inside the basilica and on the terrace. Combining the visit with the cable car ride from the lower city and time on the terrace, allow one and a half to two hours total.
Accessibility
The basilica interior is largely accessible at ground level and the main nave can be entered via the front steps. The clifftop terrace surrounding the building is accessed by a short path from the main entrance. The cable car that serves the site has a cabin accessible to wheelchair users, though steeper paths immediately around the basilica may require assistance.
When to visit
Late afternoon on clear days provides the best combination of lighting for photography and views over the Mediterranean. The basilica is quietest on weekday mornings; weekends and religious feast days, particularly the Feast of the Assumption in August, attract larger crowds.