Overview:

Gouraya Mountains, Béjaïa In Algeria is a range of mountains in northern Algeria. The mountain range is located on the east side of the Mediterranean Sea coast and includes the peaks Mount Gouraya (2,057 m) and Mount Djebel Barbacha (1,722 m). The mountains are composed of limestone and sandstone formations, with some areas having rounded shapes and others with steep faces. The mountain range is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. It is also home to a variety of plants and animals, including the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal. The Gouraya Mountains are located in the center of a semi-arid region, and are known for their hot weather, especially in summer time. The area receives very little rain, and the local flora includes scrubby cedars, olive trees, and deciduous oak trees. The landscape is also characterized by dramatic cliffs, valleys, and caves. The Gouraya National Park, located in the range, was established to protect the local wildlife and the natural environment. The park is a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Algeria
Prominent Features:

- Located in coastal province of Béjaïa - 980 meters (3,220 feet) high - Part of the Tell Atlas mountain range - Large forests of cork oaks, holm oaks and wild olive trees - Habitat for a variety of endangered animal species - Home to the Kabyle culture - Several ancient sites including a fortified city, a Punic port, and a necropolis - Popular for climbing, hiking, camping, and paragliding You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Algeria.

History:

Gouraya National Park is located in the Kabylie region in the Northern part of Algeria and is home to the Gouraya Mountains. It is a unique natural region and the second national park to be established in Algeria. The Gouraya Mountains are historically rich and have been a crucial part of the region since the Punic period in the early 3rd century BC. The area was part of the ancestral territory of the Kabyles, an indigenous people. It later became home to several Berber kingdoms, such as Numidia, Massylie, Masaesylie, and Atlas. During the Roman occupation, the Gouraya Mountains were used as a defensive position and to protect trade routes. The port city of Béjaïa, which is situated below the Gouraya Mountains, was an important trading city for the region and its port was the main port of entry for Roman ships. In the 13th century, the Gouraya Mountains were the site of an epic battle between the Sicilian forces and Almohads. Afterward, the mountain range became a strategic area for Muslim forces. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the French Empire colonized Algeria. The Gouraya Mountains were a major resource for the French, as they used its limestone to construct buildings and forts. In 1985, the Gouraya Mountains were designated as a national park in order to protect the unique environment and ecosystems of the region. Today, the Gouraya Mountains are a popular tourist destination and are known for their breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Kabylie mountainside. Visit one of the famous monuments of Algeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Gouraya Mountain is a mountain in Béjaïa Province in northeastern Algeria. 2. It is part of the Tell Atlas Mountains and stands at an elevation of 1,958 m (6,422 ft). 3. It is a popular tourist attraction and is best known for its spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea from its peak. 4. A wide variety of wildlife can be found in the mountain range, including wild boars, Barbary apes, eagles, and vultures. 5. The area is home to numerous plants and flowers, such as oaks, cedars, pines, and cacti. 6. The mountain is believed to be the site of the ancient city of Rusazus, founded by the Romans during the 1st century BC. 7. The Gouraya National Park covers 4,500 acres (1,800 ha) of the natural beauty of this ancient mountain range. It offers plenty of walking trails and several jaw-dropping lookouts. 8. A notable landmark in the park is the Grotto of Hercules, said to be the mythical hero's final resting place. 9. The mountain has long been a sacred site to Algerian Berbers and is the origin of many of their sacred traditions and beliefs. One of the historical monuments of Algeria, it tells the story of a bygone era