Souika (Old Medina)
السويقة
An Ottoman-era old quarter at the northern end of the rocky plateau, filled with narrow alleys, covered passageways, coppersmith workshops, and traditional houses.
Souika is the oldest part of Constantine’s old city (the Casbah, or medina), located at the lower section of the plateau by the cliff edge. Its maze of narrow alleys and sabat, the covered passageways with wooden overhangs, preserve the layout of the Ottoman period. Inside are copper workshops, spice shops, and small mosques. Constantine’s traditional copper trays and embroidered bridal gowns (gandoura) also come from here. Some buildings are old and in need of repair, and restoration work is underway. It is best to visit during the day with companions, and you can hire a local guide. Enter from the Mellah-Slimane footbridge or from Rue Nationale, where the Great Mosque stands.
Opening hours
Open all day (daytime recommended)
Nearby sights
- Mellah Slimane Footbridge
- Great Mosque of Constantine
- Sidi Rached Viaduct
- Rhumel Gorges & Chemin des Touristes
- Constantine Cable Car
- Bab El Kantara Bridge
- Palace of Ahmed Bey
- Sidi M'Cid Bridge