Long before it was a French colony or an Ottoman regency, the land that is now Algeria was Numidia, then a rich Roman province that fed half of Rome with grain. Because much of the country has seen little mass tourism, its ancient cities have survived in remarkable condition. Here are five that SEFAR Aventure recommends to anyone curious about the past.

1. Tipaza, ruins by the sea

Seventy kilometres west of Algiers, Tipaza spreads its Phoenician, Roman and early Christian remains across a headland above the Mediterranean, with Mount Chenoua on the horizon. Listed by UNESCO in 1982, the site covers dozens of hectares of basilicas, villas and a theatre, and its small museum displays mosaics, glassware and sarcophagi. Allow half a day, and come in spring when the ruins are covered in wildflowers.

2. Cherchell, the capital of a king

A little further west, Cherchell was Caesarea, capital of the Mauretanian king Juba II around 25 BC. The amphitheatre, baths and necropolis recall a prosperous port, and the museum next to the site holds some of the finest Roman statues found in North Africa. Combine it with Tipaza in a single day from Algiers.

3. Djémila, the mountain city

Set at about 900 metres in the hills of Sétif province, Djémila — ancient Cuicul — is one of the most beautiful Roman sites anywhere. Its theatre, temples, forum and Christian quarter sit on a narrow ridge between two ravines. Excavated during the first half of the 20th century, much of the city is still buried. Wear good shoes: a full visit takes two to three hours.

4. Timgad, the "Pompeii of North Africa"

Founded by Emperor Trajan around 100 AD as a colony for veterans, Timgad was laid out on a perfect grid that is still clearly visible. Its triumphal arch, baths, library and theatre were protected by sand until the 18th century, which explains their exceptional state. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an easy day trip from Batna or Constantine.

5. Tiddis, the red village

Thirty kilometres from Constantine, Tiddis is smaller and far less visited. Built on a red hillside, it mixes Numidian, Roman and Byzantine remains: a forum, temples, an arch and cisterns cut into the rock. Only a small part has been excavated, which gives the place a wild, intimate atmosphere.

Planning your visit

Tipaza and Cherchell are best visited from Algiers; Djémila, Timgad and Tiddis fit naturally into a tour of eastern Algeria around Constantine. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures. SEFAR Aventure arranges guides who bring these stones to life and can combine the sites with the Casbah of Algiers or the Sahara.