Mostaganem

Mostaganem is in Northwest Algeria.

Understand

Mostaganem has its origins circa the 11th century as a Punic town with the name Murustage, from where it passed through some Muslim dynasty hands. But after being captured by Ottoman admiral Barbarossa in the 16th century, it became one of those fun Barbary Coast towns that dabbled in piracy with sea corsairs, probably leading up to the stuff that pricked James Madison's conscience and emanated in the Barbary Wars. Eventually, France secured Mostaganem as a garrison though and then it became independent like the rest of Algeria in 1962.

See

• 1 Tabanh mosque (مسجد طبانة), Rue Abdelaoui Abed. A mosque built by Merinid Sultan El Hassan Ben Said in 1340. On UNESCO list of monuments. (updated Oct 2020)
• 2 Mujahid Museum, Port Rd. basically 08ː30-16ː00 Sa-Th, closed F. Some pictures of town forefathers and flags and stuff, but probably the best part is the promenade to the side with views of the port. (updated Oct 2020)

Do

• 1 Mostaland, ☏ +213 45 39 29 62. Kitschy amusement park. Has a zoo though. (updated Oct 2020)
• 2 Corniche. Catch a sunset or a stroll here. (updated Oct 2020)

Eat

• 1 Bekhchis Restaurant, Bloc N a4 cité El firdaous. Fine dining establishment along the Mediterranean. (updated Oct 2020)

Sleep

• 1 Hotel Hadj Abdallah, Route d'Alger, ☏ +213 45 41 50 29. Basic but comfortable lodging. (updated Oct 2020)
• 2 MONTANA AZ HÔTELS, ☏ +213 45 39 29 29. Indoor pool with slides, outdoor lazy river, restaurant, free breakfast. Can almost walk to Mostaland from here. (updated Oct 2020)