Timgad and Djemila: visiting Algeria's Roman ruins

Timgad and Djemila are the two great Roman cities of eastern Algeria, and both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many travellers see them in photos first, then wonder how to get there, how much time to allow and, above all, where to stay. Here is what you need to plan the visit from Algeria or from abroad, with the most practical base towns: Batna for Timgad, Sétif for Djemila.

Timgad, the "Pompeii of North Africa"

Timgad lies in Batna province, on the northern slopes of the Aurès mountains. It was founded in AD 100 on the orders of Emperor Trajan as colonia Marciana Traiana Thamugadi, a military colony built from scratch on open ground. That is why its layout is so easy to read.

Walking around, you follow an almost perfect grid of paved streets organised around two main axes, the cardo and the decumanus. Its state of preservation and grid plan often earn it the nickname "Pompeii of North Africa".

Don't miss:

• Trajan's Arch, at the western end of the decumanus.
• The forum, the heart of public life, lined with porticoes.
• The theatre and the markets.
• The library, one of the buildings the site is famous for.
• The Capitol and the baths, several of which are still clearly visible.

Allow half a day for a first visit. The site is large with little shade, so bring a hat, water and good shoes, especially from late spring.

Djemila, ancient Cuicul

Djemila is in Sétif province, north-east of the city. Its ancient name is Cuicul; its modern name means "the beautiful" in Arabic. The site sits on a rocky spur at about 900 metres above sea level, a mountain setting quite unlike Timgad.

Highlights include:

• The forum and its public buildings;
• The Temple of the Gens Septimia, dedicated to the family of Emperor Septimius Severus;
• The Arch of Caracalla;
• The theatre;
• The Christian quarter and its baptistery;
• The houses decorated with mosaics, one of the site's treasures.

Again, allow half a day. Opening days and hours of sites and museums can change, so ask locally or at your hotel the day before.

Timgad, Djemila or both?

With only one day, choose by route: Timgad if you are passing through Batna and the Aurès, Djemila if you are passing through Sétif. With two or three days, the two combine well, and Constantine fits easily into the loop. Our hotels in Constantine and our 7 to 10-day Algeria itinerary help you build the loop. For an overview of Algeria's seven listed sites, read our article on Algeria's UNESCO sites.

To get between towns and sites, a local driver or guide is the simplest option, especially on a first trip. Your hotel can often point you in the right direction.

Where to stay for Timgad: Batna

Batna, the capital of the Aurès, is the natural base for Timgad:

• [Timgad Hotel Hazem](/en/hotel/hazem-hotel-timgad), in the city centre, with a restaurant and meeting rooms;
• [Hotel Chelia](/en/hotel/chelia-hotel), a convenient stop before Timgad;
• [Hotel Chaker](/en/hotel/hotel-chaker), central, with family rooms;
• [Messaoudi Hotel](/en/hotel/messaoudi-hotel), on the Biskra road, with spa and gym.

All options are on our hotels in Batna page.

Where to stay for Djemila: Sétif

Sétif has plenty of hotels for a day trip to Djemila:

• [Rénéa Hotel Sétif (ex Novotel)](/en/hotel/renea-ex-novotel-setif), in the city centre, with a summer pool;
• [Bayazid Hotel](/en/hotel/bayazid-hotel), with indoor pool and spa;
• [Golden Rose Hotel & Spa](/en/hotel/golden-rose-hotel-spa), near the Aïn El Fouara fountain.

See all options on our hotels in Sétif page.

Before you go

Visa. Most foreign travellers in principle need a visa to enter Algeria, and the rules depend on your passport. Check the current requirements with the Algerian consulate that covers your area before you go, and see our Algeria visa page.

Safety. Before you go, read your own government's travel advice (FCDO in the UK, the State Department in the US, Global Affairs Canada, France Diplomatie). Our article Is Algeria safe for travellers? explains where to find it.

Season. Both sites are at altitude: winters can be cold and summers very hot in full sun. Spring and autumn are usually the most pleasant; see our guide to the best time to visit Algeria.

Booking your hotel in Batna or Sétif

On Nreservi you book your hotel online. In Algeria you pay in dinars without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you after payment. Couples should read our article on the family record book at hotels before travelling.

See hotels in Batna

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.