Tipasa, Algeria

Ruins of Tipasa, Algeria
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tipasa.jpg
Author: Keith Miller


Tipasa (GPS: 36.62434, 2.37785) is a coastal town in Algeria with ancient ruins that are today a World Heritage Site. Tipasa was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1982 during the 6th session of the World Heritage Committee which met on 13-17 December, 1982 in Paris, France. Tipasa was recognised for its cultural tradition and significance in human history.

There are Phoenician, Roman, palaeochristian and Byzantine ruins in Tipasa, along with ruins from the royal mausoleum of Mauritania. On the hill where the Romans had their base are the ruins of three ancient churches - the Great Basilica and the Alexander Basilica, on the western hill, and the St Salsa Basilica on the eastern hill. Also visible in Tipasa are two ancient cemeteries, baths, theatre, amphitheatre and nymphaeum. The remains of an ancient harbour is also discernable at the foot of the eastern hill.

The Basilica of St Salsa still contains mosaic. The Great Basilica has seven aisles. However, the site was used as a quarry for centuries, erasing much of the original structure.

The History of Tipasa

Tipasa is believed to have been founded by the Phoenicians. It was later conquered by the Romans who turned it into their military base. The Romans used it as a base for launching their invasion on the ancient kingdom of Mauritania. Still standing today are the Roman remains. These are found on three small hills facing the sea.

Tipasa World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Location: N36 32 60 E2 22 60
Inscription Year: 1982
Type of Site: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: III, IV

Threats & Issues to Tipasa

The ruins of Tipaza was on the endangered list from 2002 to 2006.

Ruins of the basilica in Tipasa, Algeria
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tipaza_basilique.jpg
Author: Dalbera / J.P. Dalbéra


Roman ruins in Tipasa, Algeria
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Le_Cardo_maximus_de_la_ville_romaine_%28Tipaza%29.jpg
Author: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

List of World Heritage Sites in Algeria

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