Fort of Santa Cruz is one of the popular tourist attraction in Algeria. However, majority of the nationalities requires Algerian visa except for the 7 countries namely, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Mali, Mauritania, Seychelles and Tunisia whose eligible for visa on arrival up to 90 days. For more information on the visa requirements, please contact the nearest Algerian Embassy in your country of residence.

The panoramic view on top of the Fort is exceptional with overlooking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the City of Oran, the second largest city in Algeria. Fort of Santa Cruz is situated on Mount Murdjadjo also known as Pic d’Aidour, 400 meters above sea level. The Fort of Santa Cruz was constructed by the Ottomans in 15th century and taken control by the Spaniards after being defeated in the war. Oran was under Spanish rule for more than 300 years until 17th century and in 1831 the French occupied Oran. The fortress served as the residence of various Oran governors during the Spanish colonization.

The chapel of Santa Cruz is a small chapel with a statue of the Virgin Mary. The chapel was built below the fort of Santa Cruz in 1850, after the terrible cholera epidemic that struck the city of Oran in 1849 and hundreds of people died. The chapel was then rebuilt in 1851, following the collapse of the vault. In 1873, was put the bell of the tower, poured in the workshops of Lyon as well as the statue of the Virgin, replica of that of Notre-Dame de Fourviere in Lyon, France.

On my second visit to the Fort in 2010, I was with my fellow OFW working in Algeria. This time we went on top of the Fort riding the cable car. Unfortunately, as of this moment the cable car is no longer functioning and you need to go by car up to the hill and take a small walk until you reach the top of the Fort.

Algeria was my 9th county visited around the world and my 2nd country visited in African continent.

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