  Tipasa, Algeria
Tipasa, also written Tipaza, is a coastal town in Algeria. Its ruins dating back to ancient times have been 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.
What to See in Tipasa
There are Phoenician, Roman, palaeochristian and Byzantine ruins, as well as 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.
History
Tipaza was established by the Phoenicians. The Romans conquered it and turned it into their military base. Remains of the Roman city are located on three small hills facing the sea.
From Tipaza, the Romans launched the invasion of the ancient kingdom of Mauritania.
Location
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
The ruins of Tipaza was on the endangered list from 2002 to 2006.
Getting there
Arrangements should be made through a travel agent in Algiers.
Photos
Ruins of Tipasa, Algeria
Author: Keith Miller (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)
Ruins of the basilica in Tipasa, Algeria
Author: Dalbera / J.P. Dalbéra (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)
Roman ruins in Tipasa, Algeria
Author: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)
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