Top 10 Haunted Places in Algeria
Horror Locations in Algeria
Algeria is a country with a rich and turbulent history, from the ancient Roman and Ottoman empires to the French colonial rule and the war of independence. With such a diverse and complex past, it is not surprising that Algeria also has its share of haunted places, where the spirits of the dead are said to linger and haunt the living. Here are some of the most spooky and mysterious locations in Algeria that you might want to visit… or avoid.
1. The Forest of Bouchaoui – Haunted Places in Algeria
Bouchaoui is a large forest located in the west of Algiers, covering an area of about 1200 hectares. It is a popular recreational area for many people, who enjoy its greenery, wildlife and fresh air. However, Bouchaoui is also a place of terror and mystery for some people, who avoid it at all costs. They say that the forest is haunted by various creatures and entities, such as werewolves, vampires, witches and djinns. They say that these beings prey on unsuspecting visitors, especially at night or during full moon nights. Some have reported seeing glowing eyes, hearing howls and growls, or finding mutilated corpses or animal carcasses in the forest.
2. The Cemetery of El Alia – Haunted Places in Algeria
El Alia is the largest and most important cemetery in Algeria, located in the east of Algiers. It is the final resting place of many prominent figures in Algerian history, such as former presidents, prime ministers, generals, artists and writers. It is also a place of pilgrimage and commemoration for many Algerians, who visit the graves of their loved ones or national heroes. However, El Alia is also a place of fear and horror for some people, who believe that it is haunted by evil spirits and djinns.
3. The Hotel El-Djazair – Haunted Places in Algeria
The Hotel El-Djazair (formerly known as Hotel Saint George) is a luxury hotel in Algiers, built in 1889. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in the country, and has hosted many famous guests, such as Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, Albert Camus and Ernest Hemingway. However, the hotel also has a dark side, as it was used by the French secret service as a headquarters and interrogation center during the war of independence. Many Algerian nationalists were tortured and killed in the hotel’s basement, and their bodies were dumped in the sea or buried in the garden. The hotel is still operational today, but some guests have reported experiencing paranormal phenomena, such as seeing ghostly figures, hearing screams and footsteps, or feeling cold drafts and touches.
4. The Wine Factory of Bni Messous – Haunted Places in Algeria
Bni Messous is a suburb of Algiers, located near the forest of Bouchaoui. It is known for being the site of an old wine factory, built by the French colonizers in the 19th century. The factory was also used to torture and execute Algerian freedom fighters during the war of independence, and many of them were buried in mass graves nearby. The factory is now abandoned and dilapidated, but some locals claim that it is haunted by the spirits of the martyrs, who seek revenge and justice. They say that the factory is full of blood stains, bones, chains and tools of torture, and that screams, moans and cries can be heard from inside. Some have also reported seeing apparitions of mutilated bodies, or feeling physical attacks or possessions.
5. The Abandoned Town of Al Jazirah Al Hamra – Haunted Places in Algeria
Al Jazirah Al Hamra (meaning “the red island”) was once a thriving coastal town in Algeria’s eastern province of Annaba. It was founded by Berber fishermen in the 16th century, and later became a hub for trade and smuggling. However, in 1968, the town’s 2, 500 residents abandoned it, leaving behind most of their belongings. The reason for their sudden departure is unclear, but some speculate that it was due to political unrest, economic decline or environmental issues. Today, the town is a ghost town, with empty houses, shops, schools and mosques. It is also a hotspot for paranormal activity, as some visitors have reported seeing shadows, hearing voices and feeling cold spots in the deserted buildings.
6. The Casbah of Algiers – Haunted Places in Algeria
The Casbah of Algiers is the old citadel and historic quarter of the capital city, dating back to the 16th century. It is a maze of narrow streets, alleys, houses, mosques and palaces, built on a hill overlooking the sea. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a symbol of Algerian culture and resistance. But the Casbah has also witnessed many tragedies and conflicts over the centuries, from Ottoman rule to French occupation to civil war. As a result, it is said to be haunted by the ghosts of its past inhabitants, who died violently or unjustly. Some residents have reported seeing apparitions of soldiers, rebels, women and children in their homes or on the streets, or hearing screams, gunshots and explosions.
7. The Mausoleum of Sidi Abderrahmane – Haunted Places in Algeria
Sidi Abderrahmane was a 15th century Sufi saint and scholar, who founded a religious order in Algiers. He was revered by many people for his wisdom and miracles, and his tomb became a pilgrimage site after his death. The mausoleum is located on a small island off the coast of Algiers, connected by a bridge. It is a beautiful and serene place, but also one that is said to be haunted by the ghost of Sidi Abderrahmane himself. Some visitors have reported seeing his apparition walking on the water or on the bridge, or hearing his voice reciting verses from the Quran. Others have claimed to experience healing or blessings after visiting his tomb.
8. The Meteorite Crater of Amguid – Haunted Places in Algeria
Amguid is a small town in the south-west of Algeria, near the border with Mali. It is famous for being the site of a large meteorite impact crater, measuring about 500 meters in diameter and 65 meters deep. It is estimated that the meteorite struck the Earth about 100,000 years ago, creating a massive explosion and shockwave. The crater is now a natural attraction, but also a source of mystery and legend. Some locals believe that the crater is haunted by the spirit of the meteorite, or by djinns (supernatural beings in Islamic folklore) that dwell in it. They say that strange noises, lights and movements can be seen and heard in and around the crater, especially at night.
9. The French Nuclear Test Sites of Reggane and In Ekker – Haunted Places in Algeria
Between 1960 and 1966, France conducted 17 nuclear tests in the Algerian Sahara desert, at two locations: Reggane and In Ekker. The tests were highly controversial, as they exposed thousands of people, both military and civilian, to radiation and environmental damage. Many of them suffered from health problems, cancers and birth defects as a result. The test sites are now abandoned and off-limits to the public, but some curious explorers have ventured there and reported eerie sights and sensations. They have described seeing twisted metal structures, craters, bunkers and debris, as well as feeling a sense of dread and oppression. Some have also claimed to witness paranormal phenomena, such as glowing orbs, apparitions, voices and electrical malfunctions.
10. The Roman Ruins of Timgad – Haunted Places in Algeria
Timgad was a Roman city founded by Emperor Trajan in 100 AD, located near the modern town of Batna. It was a prosperous and well-planned city, with temples, baths, theaters, libraries and a forum. However, it was abandoned in the 7th century after the Arab invasion, and gradually fell into ruin. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a popular tourist attraction. But some visitors have reported feeling uneasy and watched in the ancient streets and buildings, especially at night. Some have even claimed to see ghostly figures of Roman soldiers and citizens roaming around the site, or hear strange noises and voices.
