Timgad
تيمقاد
A grid-plan Roman city founded by Trajan in AD 100, hailed as the 'Pompeii of North Africa' and a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Timgad lies about 35 km east of Batna. It was a Roman colony founded for retired legionary veterans, and its strict grid of streets is still clearly legible. Highlights include the 12-metre Arch of Trajan, a theatre that could seat 3,500 people, the forum and rectangular basilica, public baths, the ruins of a Roman library, and a Byzantine fort outside the city walls. The site is large, so it's best to walk along the main street, the Decumanus Maximus, and look over the whole city from the top of the theatre. Admission is very cheap, and tickets for the museum next door are sold separately. Opening hours are roughly 08:00-17:00, with longer hours in summer. There is no shade, so bring a hat and water. From Batna it takes about 40 minutes by taxi or hired car.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Timgad Museum
- Lambaesis
- Djebel Chélia
- Great Mosque of 1 November 1954
- Tighanimine Gorges
- Belezma National Park
- Diana Veteranorum (Zana)
- Ghoufi Canyon (Balcons de Ghoufi)