Batna is a city belonging to the province of Batna in the northeastern part of Algeria (Northern Africa), spanning over an area of 85 square kilometers. Batna is the 5^th largest city of Algeria in population and is located around 400 kilometers southeast of the national capital, Algiers. Batna is well known for sport tournaments, mainly soccer, played at the 1^st November Stadium and Seffouhi Stadium which are also venues for festivals.

Lying around 1048 meters above sea level, Batna is geographically positioned between 35°33′ N latitude and 6°10′ E longitude. Batna experiences a semi-arid climate with an average annual rainfall of 326 millimeters and hot summers and chilly winter with snowfall sometimes.

History of Batna

Before falling under the French rule, Batna had witnessed the rule of many powerful global powers including Romans and Ottomans. The French garrison established a military encampment in Batna in the year 1844. Batna is also considered as a city contributed notably to gain the emancipation from French.

How to reach Batna?

Batna is served by the Mostépha Ben Boulaid Airport, situated few kilometers away from Batna. This airport is served by Aigle Azur with flights from Paris and by Air Algérie (Algiers, Lyon, Marseille, and Paris) and by Turkish Airlines (Istanbul).

There are taxis generally available at the airport and also one can use pre-booked vehicle for comfort and convenient airport travel.

By bus, Batna can be reached from the cities of Constantine and Algiers.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Batna

The International Timgad Festival is the most famous cultural event held in Batna, which takes place in the area of allées Ben Boulaïd between 04-15 July annually. Batna also houses many standard shopping options and the major food corners in Batna include:

• Pizza Mango Pulp
• Mc Family’s
• Patisserie Royale
• RMB Natation Real Madinet Batna

Things to do in Batna

• Visiting archeological sites and cultural centers
• City tours
• Walking

Places of interest in Batna

Belezma National Park

A nature and adventure lovers area, the Belezma National Park is situated on the bevels of the Belezma Range in the Batna Province, few kilometers away from the Batna town. Established in 1984, the park is home to 300 plus faunas and around 450 flora species in the area of 262.5 square kilometers and receives an average of 100.000 visitors every year.

Stade Seffouhi

Stade Seffouhi is a multi-purpose stadium in Batna having a capacity of 5,000 spectators. It is home to the soccer club, Chabab Aurès de Batna. It is also the venue of many grand festivals taking place in Batna.

Timgad

Timgad was a Roman settlement founded around the 1^st century CE during the reign of the Emperor Trajan. It is currently ruined in condition, although receives a large number of tourists year round for its historical importance. It is situated around 35 kilometers from Batna.

Lambaesis

Lambaesis, also called Lambaesa is a Roman period ruined settlement located in the vicinity of the Tazoult village about 11 kilometers away from Batna. The highlights of Lambaesis are the ruined temples, aqueducts, triumphal arches and remains of baths and amphitheatre.

Cultural Centres in Batna

The city of Batna is home to many modernized cultural centers showcasing the rich culture of the region with regular exhibitions and performance by famous artists. The major culture houses in Batna are the Municipal Cultural House, the Islamic Cultural Center and Youth House.

List of other places of interest in and around Batna includes:

• 1st November Stadium
• Scholar Stadium
• Les allées Benboulaïd
• STANDDowntown Batna
• Balcons de Ghoufi
• Chelaalaa

Best time to visit Batna

Batna can be visited throughout the year, although the summer months are preferred because while the city remains dry which is helpful for outdoor activities.

Accommodation options in and around Batna:

There are standard hotels less in number in Batna, so it is advised for visitors to book hotels well in advance prior to reaching Batna and also one can consider hotels of nearby Constantine. The prominent hotels in Batna and Constantine (around 130 kilometers) are listed below:

• Turkish AirlinesHotel Hazem
• Hotel Chelia
• Novotel Constantine
• Ibis Constantine
• Hotel Hocine
• Hotel Es-Salem
• Arc En Ciel
• Panoramic Hotel
• Hotel Kerdada

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