- Site Name
- Tipasa
- UNESCO reference number
- 193
- Property Area
- 70 hectares
- Universal Value
- Tipasa's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) is recognized under UNESCO Criteria (iii) and (iv) for its unique stratigraphic group of Phoenician, Roman, palaeo-Christian, and Byzantine ruins, plus indigenous monuments like Kbor er Roumia mausoleum. Justification (iii) Bears exceptional testimony to continuous cultural evolution from Punic trading post (conquered by Rome 46 BCE) to strategic Mauritania base and early Christian center (4 basilicas, St. Salsa martyrdom). (iv) Exemplifies Roman imperial architecture (amphitheater, forum, baths) on North African coast, reflecting multicultural prosperity under Septimius Severus. This coastal serial site (Ref 193) illustrates 2,500 years of Mediterranean connectivity.
- Geography & Setting
- Tipasa sits on Algeria's Mediterranean coast, 70 km west of Algiers (36°35′31″N 2°26′58″E), as a serial property of three sites: West Archaeological Park (27.75 ha), East Archaeological Park (16.58 ha), and Kbor er Roumia Mausoleum (7.83 ha) totaling ~52 ha. Topography The parks occupy three small hills overlooking the sea amid pine groves and vineyards, with ruins (amphitheater, basilicas, forum) integrated into cliffs and a sheltered harbor; the inland mausoleum rises on Algiers Sahel plateau 11 km southeast. This aerial captures Tipasa's coastal cliffs with Roman columns, pines, and sea, showcasing its scenic seaside perch vulnerable to erosion
- History & Story
- Tipasa originated as a 6th-century BCE Phoenician trading post on Algeria's Mediterranean coast, featuring one of the oldest Punic necropolises with tombs evidencing trade to Greece, Italy, Iberia, and Mesopotamia. Roman & Later Phases Conquered by Rome in 46 BCE, it became a colony under Claudius (40 CE), booming as Mauretania Caesariensis port with amphitheater, forum, baths, and veteran settlements; resisted Berber rebel Firmus (372 CE), fell to Vandals (429 CE), revived under Byzantines (533 CE) with 4 basilicas including St. Salsa's. This tomb from Tipasa's basilica ties to early Christian martyr Salsa, thrown to sea from the cliffs around 203 CE. Decline & Legacy Arab conquest (7th c.) ended its prominence; rediscovered 19th c., UNESCO-listed 1982 (Ref 193) for multicultural layers
- Legal protection & management
- Tipasa originated as a 6th-century BCE Phoenician trading post on Algeria's Mediterranean coast, featuring one of the oldest Punic necropolises with tombs evidencing trade to Greece, Italy, Iberia, and Mesopotamia. Roman & Later Phases Conquered by Rome in 46 BCE, it became a colony under Claudius (40 CE), booming as Mauretania Caesariensis port with amphitheater, forum, baths, and veteran settlements; resisted Berber rebel Firmus (372 CE), fell to Vandals (429 CE), revived under Byzantines (533 CE) with 4 basilicas including St. Salsa's. This tomb from Tipasa's basilica ties to early Christian martyr Salsa, thrown to sea from the cliffs around 203 CE. Decline & Legacy Arab conquest (7th c.) ended its prominence; rediscovered 19th c., UNESCO-listed 1982 (Ref 193) for multicultural layers.
- Visitor experience
- Visiting Tipasa offers a scenic stroll through Phoenician-Roman-Byzantine ruins amid pine groves and Mediterranean cliffs, less crowded than Djemila or Timgad but equally atmospheric. Highlights Explore amphitheater (naval reenactments), 4 basilicas, forum, baths, Punic tombs over 3 hours; add Kbor er Roumia mausoleum (11 km away) for full serial site; beachcomb at adjacent Plage Honolulu post-tour. Hire archaeologist guides (e.g., Mohamed Dilmi) for context as signage lacks; wear sturdy shoes for uneven paths, visit mornings for views—stunning panoramas from honey-toned sandstone against blue sea. Entry modest (~$1), combine with Cherchell day trip from Algiers (70 km).
