El Kantra Bridge

An oriental star not only of Algeria, but of the whole of Africa is the Constantine city located on the hottest continent of the planet. Europeans named this magical city on the Mediterranean Sea in a romantic way - the city of seven bridges. It is located on a high mountain plateau cut by a deep gorge, like a sword. Many centuries ago, the Phoenicians founded the city and started to build spectacular bridges between the cliffs. All of Constantine seems to soar in the air, and its old historical centre and the new city are connected by several bridges. They are located at an altitude of about 200 meters above the dried channel of the mythical river and have high-sounding names: Devil's Bridge, Sidi M'sid, Falling Bridge, and one of the most beautiful bridges is El Kantra.

The first bridge on the site of modern El Kantra was built by the ancient Romans in the age of antiquity. Later, on its remains, a new stone bridge was erected by the order of Salah Bey of Constantine. The famous architect Bartolomeo built it in 1792. He put stones from the ruins of the Roman amphitheater in its basement. After that, these stones have witnessed many assaults and battles. But the bridge was destroyed only once, in 1857, and the infantry passing through it at that time lost many of its soldiers. For several years, restoration work was carried out, and already in 1865, Napoleon III was admiring the picturesque gorges and natural arches from its height.

Today, El Kantra Bridge of 128 meters long is located at an altitude of 125 meters. It is one of the most beautiful and busiest places in the city. It not just connects ancient and modern quarters, but is considered the heart of this city. And all the guests wish to touch it.