OVERVIEW
Oran is the most important city of the west of Algeria. With Tlemcen it is probably the most Moroccan of all Algerian cities. Oran's mahor claim to fame is the fact that it is the home of Rai music. Almost all great singers (Khaled, Cheb Mami, Faudel) are from Oran.
The town was founded by Andalusian seamen in AD937 and flourished under Zianid rule, developing strong trading ties with Spain, which eventually led to Spanish occupation from 1509 to 1708 when Oran was captured by Ottoman forces. The Spanish recaptured the city two years later but withdrew after an earthquake destroyed most of the city in 1790.
Nowadays Oran is a very busy port and city. There are a lot of things to do and see in town. The city centre coastline (front de mer) is the ideal place to hang out with friends, drink mint tea and have an ice cream (Oran's ice creams are the best honestly - i dunno how they do it).
SIGHTS
Oran features many sights that the local people are used to, but for tourists it could be heaven. The most ancient sight of the area is the castle of Santa Cruz located at the top of the mountain 'Abdelqa' in the city centre. The city centre also includes bumper cars, cinemas, cybercafes, cafes, restaurants, and a zoo. Outside the centre are amusement parks, beaches, sport grounds and football stadiums.
GETTING THERE
Oran is not far west off 0 degrees longitude in-line with London. Oran is Algerias' second largest, important and busiest city with approximately 1 million inhabitants. It is located on the coast of Algeria by the Meditteranean Sea.
Orans' international airport is located a few miles south of the city-centre and is named Oran Es-Senia airport as it is situated in the village of Es-Senia (a suburb of Oran). Airlines flying into Oran Es-Senia include Air Algerie, Air France, Air Lib...
Those who prefer journeys by sea or need to take a vehicle abroad can use the boat services from the main ports in Oran. There are constant ferries to Spain and France and a few other countries but the top destination is Alicante.
NOTICE
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