Cuicul (Djemila) is an ancient Roman city located near the town of Setif in Algeria. This is the only preserved Roman city in Africa. Since 1982, Djemila has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as an object with a unique adaptation of Roman architecture to the mountain environment.
Djemila is the modern name of the ancient city Cuicul. Tourists who visit this ancient city today can be transported into the past and touch the history with their own hands. On the territory of the city, several architectural objects are fairly well preserved, and this makes it possible to give an impression of how the city was at the peak of its development. Let us see how to get to Cuicul and where to stay.
How to get to Cuicul (Djemila)
Cuicul (Djemila) is located 60 km from the town of Setif (about an hour drive). From here, it will be easiest for you and faster to get to the ancient Roman city. The nearest international airport is located just 20 minutes from the city (Setif Airport 8 MAI 1945). If you rent a car in the airport terminal, then the way to Djemila will be just over 1.5 hours. You can also go from the center of Setif by bus or buy a tour in one of the travel agencies. As a rule, the transfer is already included in the tour price.
Information about Cuicul (Djemila)
According to historical sources, Cuicul (Djemila) was founded in 96-98 by order of the Roman emperor Nerva. In the early years, the city was a military camp, and its first inhabitants were legion soldiers, who received land from the emperor for service.
During the next centuries the city was actively developing. It was during this period that the main urban buildings appeared a forum, an amphitheater, town houses and baths, temples. In the middle of the 4th century, the Vandals, who lived here for about 100 years, captured the city. Later, the Romans still managed to return the city, but it did not save him. Residents gradually began to leave the city due to lack of water and fertile land due to the expansion of the desert. So gradually, the city was completely immersed in sand and oblivion. The first excavations here took place in 1909. Since then, not a few archaeological expeditions have come here. The most valuable artifacts today are exhibited in the museums of Algeria in the capital and Setif.
Nearest Hotels to Cuicul (Djemila)
The nearest hotels to Cuicul (Djemila) are located in the city of Setif. Among them are both luxurious and full budget accommodation options. Here are some of them:
- Best Western Plus Hotel Setif
- İbis Setif
- Novotel Setif
- Atlantis Hotel Akbou
