Minister Malika Bendouda Inspects Annaba’s Saint Augustine Basilica and Hippo Regius, Reflecting Heritage, Coexistence, and Algeria’s Civilizational Depth
By Dr. Hana Saada
Annaba’s historic landscape has once again come into focus as Minister of Culture and Arts Malika Bendouda carried out a working and inspection visit centered on the city’s major archaeological sites, foremost among them the renowned Hippo Regius complex and the Saint Augustine Basilica. The visit, undertaken in the context of preparations for the forthcoming official visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to the region, placed renewed emphasis on the cultural, historical, and symbolic value of a site that continues to embody Algeria’s layered civilizational identity.
At Hippo Regius, one of the most significant archaeological ensembles on Algeria’s eastern coast, the minister supervised the reopening of the museum to the public following renovation and the reorganization of its spaces. The site occupies a singular place in the cultural memory of the country. It is not merely an archaeological destination, but a living testament to the succession of civilizations that have shaped Annaba over centuries. Roman remains, early Christian heritage, Byzantine traces, and later Islamic and Moorish influences converge in a landscape that speaks of continuity rather than rupture, and of coexistence rather than exclusion.
Among the treasures highlighted by the minister were the exceptional “Gorgon” piece and the celebrated Statue of Victory, both of which are regarded as rare and emblematic works of universal heritage. Their presence reinforces the importance of Hippo Regius as a site of global historical relevance, one that reflects the richness of Algeria’s patrimony and its capacity to preserve artifacts of outstanding artistic and archaeological value. In this framework, Bendouda instructed the immediate preparation of a comprehensive technical dossier to seek the inscription of Hippo Regius on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a central element of the well-known Augustinian itineraries.
The visit also extended to the Saint Augustine Basilica, perched on the hill of Hippo and among Annaba’s most iconic religious and historical landmarks. The basilica stands as a remarkable architectural witness to the city’s plural heritage, combining Roman, Byzantine, and Moorish influences within a single monumental expression. Beyond its architectural character, the site carries profound symbolic weight, recalling the intellectual and spiritual legacy of Saint Augustine, one of the great figures of Mediterranean thought and one whose memory remains deeply linked to Annaba.
Bendouda’s remarks underscored the necessity of preserving these archaeological and religious treasures while improving reception conditions for visitors and official delegations, in keeping with the cultural stature of Algeria. Her call for the creation of an interpretation center dedicated to the heritage of Saint Augustine within the museum further reflects an approach that seeks to place historical knowledge, civilizational dialogue, and heritage education at the core of site management.
What emerges from this visit is a broader image of Algeria as a country of deep historical strata, where heritage is not confined to the past but actively contributes to the present definition of identity and national pride. Annaba, through Hippo Regius and the Saint Augustine Basilica, offers a powerful example of coexistence: of civilizations, of religions, of architectural traditions, and of historical narratives that meet on the same terrain without erasing one another.
In this sense, the preservation and promotion of these sites go beyond tourism or protocol. They affirm Algeria’s role as a guardian of a heritage that belongs both to the nation and to the world, and they demonstrate the country’s determination to present its cultural legacy with dignity, openness, and confidence.
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