In the belly of the lower city, where the noise of traffic blends with the voices of street vendors and the call of the muezzin from the nearby Casbah, a vast square opens up that is much more than an urban expansion.
Place des Martyrs, known in Arabic as Saha Echouhada, is the beating heart and historical memory of Algiers. This place, which has gone through all the eras of the city, from Ottoman rule to French colonization to independence, today represents the symbol of resilience and Algerian national identity. For the visitor, a stop here is mandatory: it is the ideal starting point to explore the Casbah, but also a place filled with emotions, where history can be felt at every corner.
A Name that Tells a Story of Sacrifice
The current name, Place des Martyrs, was given after independence in 1962 in honor of the countless Algerian fallen who lost their lives in the war against France. Before that, the square had several names, each linked to the dominant power: under the Turks, it was known as Place de la Marine, while during French colonization it was renamed Place du Gouvernement. This succession of names reflects the turbulent history of Algiers, and the final choice to name it after the martyrs is a strong act of identity reclamation and collective memory.
What to See in the Square: A Stage of Architectures
Place des Martyrs is a vast area mostly pedestrian, surrounded by buildings that represent different historical eras.
The Algerian National Theatre (TNA)
On the north side of the square stands the magnificent Algerian National Theatre (TNA), housed in the former Cathedral of Saint Philip (not to be confused with the Ketchaoua Mosque). This imposing building in neo-Byzantine style, with its large arches and towers, was built at the end of the 19th century as a Catholic church, then deconsecrated and transformed into a theater. Today it is one of the most important cultural institutions in the country, offering performances of theater, dance, and classical and Algerian music. Just admiring its exterior facade is a spectacle.
The Ketchaoua Mosque
Dominating the square from the south side, perched on the hill of the Casbah, is the famous Ketchaoua Mosque. Its imposing staircase and two slender minarets (formerly bell towers) are perfectly visible from the square, creating a fascinating architectural contrast with the neo-Byzantine theater. It is from here that the ascent to the Casbah begins.
The Government Palace and Colonial Buildings
Other buildings overlooking the square include the former Government Palace (today the seat of the Prefecture of Algiers), built in neo-Moorish style, and several colonial-era palaces with Haussmannian-style facades, reminiscent of Parisian boulevards. These buildings testify to the layer of French history, now integrated into the urban landscape.
The Historical Role: A Place of Power and Revolution
For centuries, Place des Martyrs has been the center of the administrative and military power of the city.
Ottoman era: Here stood the palace of the Pasha (Dey), the Ottoman governor, and the square was the site of military parades and public executions.
Colonial era: The French established the governmental administration here, and the square became a symbol of colonial power. It was here that, on July 5, 1830, the last Dey of Algiers handed the city over to the French.
War of independence: During the Battle of Algiers (1957), the square was the scene of demonstrations, attacks, and fierce clashes between FLN fighters and French troops. The terraces of the cafés overlooking the square were places of observation and confrontation.
Today, an eternal flame and a commemorative plaque in the center of the square remember the martyrs of the war of independence. On national holidays (November 1, July 5), official ceremonies are held here with the laying of wreaths.
A Crossroads of Ways and a Starting Point
Place des Martyrs is a very important traffic hub and a landmark for orientation in Algiers.
From here begins the ascent to the Casbah: The narrow street that rises from the square (Rue de la Casbah) is the main entrance to the labyrinth of alleys of the UNESCO historic center.
It connects to the waterfront and the port: A few steps north lead to Boulevard de l'Algérie and the entrance to the port.
Towards the lower city: Rue Ben M'hidi and Rue Didouche Mourad, the main shopping streets, begin just a few minutes to the east.
Subway station: Under the square is one of the busiest stations of the Algiers metro, which connects it to the entire city.
Life on the Square Today: An Algerian Microcosm
Today, Place des Martyrs is a lively and popular place, frequented by Algerians of all ages and social conditions.
Street vendors: Used books, newspapers, handkerchiefs, toys, popcorn, ice cream: the square is a constant flow of small traders.
Meetings and gatherings: It is an informal meeting point for groups of friends, for families waiting for the bus, for students coming out of the subway.
Transit point: Tens of thousands of people cross the square every day, heading to work, school, the Casbah, or the waterfront.
Permanent show: Sitting on a bench or at the edge of a fountain and watching the human flow is an experience in itself, offering an authentic glimpse of Algerian life.
Tips for the Visit
How to get there: Place des Martyrs is easily reachable by subway (stop "Place des Martyrs"), by taxi (it is a well-known landmark), or on foot from the center and the waterfront.
When to visit: The square is always lively, but the best time is in the morning (for the light on the facade of the Ketchaoua Mosque) or late afternoon (for the atmosphere). You can combine the visit with the start of exploring the Casbah.
Duration: To observe the buildings, read the plaques, and breathe in the atmosphere, 15-20 minutes is enough. But you can also linger longer, sitting on a bench or in a café in the square.
Attention: The square is very crowded and chaotic. Be mindful of your personal belongings, as in any big city.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PLACE DES MARTYRS
What is the historical significance of Place des Martyrs?
Place des Martyrs is the historical heart of Algiers, a site of Ottoman and French colonial power, and the theater of crucial events in the war of independence. Its current name honors the Algerian fallen in the war against France.
What can be seen in the square?
The square is bordered by the Algerian National Theatre (former Neo-Byzantine cathedral), the Ketchaoua Mosque (on the hill), the former Government Palace (now Prefecture), and several colonial buildings. In the center, an eternal flame commemorates the martyrs.
Is Place des Martyrs the starting point to visit the Casbah?
Yes, absolutely. From the square, the narrow street Rue de la Casbah leads directly into the UNESCO historic center. It is the main access point.
Is it safe to visit Place des Martyrs?
Yes, it is safe, but it is very crowded and chaotic. Normal caution is recommended, paying attention to bags and wallets, as in all major city squares.
How much time should be spent visiting the square?
Most visitors stop for 15-20 minutes to admire the buildings and take photos before heading towards the Casbah. However, sitting on a bench or in a café to observe local life can turn the stop into a longer and more enjoyable experience.
Are there facilities like public restrooms or cafés in the square?
There are several cafés and small establishments overlooking the square or nearby. For restrooms, it is necessary to use those in the bars or establishments, generally reserved for customers.
Place des Martyrs
Place des Martyrs is the essential starting point for any traveler wanting to understand Algiers. This square, full of history and life, welcomes the visitor with its ordered chaos, its architectural contrasts, and its popular energy. From the eternal flame at the foot of the Casbah to the facade of the National Theater, every corner tells a piece of the complex Algerian identity. Stopping here, even just for a few minutes, means immersing oneself in the flow of the city, before getting lost in the millennia-old labyrinths of the Casbah or being rocked by the waterfront.
To best plan your trip and discover all the must-see stops in the capital, read our complete guide to visiting Algiers.
Review date: June 11, 2026