Essai du Hamma Garden

During the colonial period, the conquests of cities and entire countries were occurring all over the world. The Spaniards were storming America, and the French conquerors were building their colonies in Africa. It is hard to find something positive in any conquests, but some changes made by the colonialists have been preserved to this day. Now, they are great patterns of different styles and cultures mix. One of these examples is the magnificent Essai du Hamma French Garden, erected in Algeria in the 19th century.

From the first days on the African continent, the French colonialists were planning to open demonstration farms and gardens. That is why, in 1832, by decree of the temporary governor Antoine Avisard, 5 hectares swamps were drained and established a small botanical garden a few years later. All plants were brought from France and crossed with local species. Scientists conducted various experiments. Initially, it looked like a research centre.

In 1837, its area was increased to 23 hectares, and the garden was named the Small Test Garden. For some years, it was expanding and developing. Many new species of plants and animals have been bred, as well as the production of a natural dye, carmine, and the artificial lake was created on its territory. In 1966, it was included in the list of the best botanical gardens in the world. Since then, its landscape has remained almost unchanged.

Today, the Essai du Hamma Garden with an area of about 60 hectares is a perfect pattern of gardening art of the French Algeria Epoque. Here, you can see tropical plants from all over Africa and France. Luxurious fountains and picturesque reservoirs, all colors and flavors of nature, are intertwined in this magical oasis of a hot African city.