Overview:

Oran Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St Paul, is the largest Catholic Church in the city of Oran, Algeria. Built in the 19th century by the French, the Cathedral stands in the heart of the city, as an impressive symbol of French colonial presence in the country. Inside the Cathedral, visitors can admire the ornate architecture and artwork, while the bell tower offers a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the city. Despite the fact that the majority of Oran inhabitants are Muslim, the Cathedral is open to all visitors and continues to be a popular tourist attraction. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Algeria
Prominent Features:

1. Oran Cathedral is the main Roman Catholic church located in the city of Oran, Algeria. 2. It is a Gothic style building measuring approximately 79 meters in length and 32 meters in width. 3. The dome of the church is 68 meters high and has a unique octagonal shape. 4. Oran Cathedral features several stained glass windows and a main entrance with a central rose window. 5. The bell tower of the Cathedral is 55 meters high and has 5 bells. 6. The facade of the Cathedral is decorated with statues representing renowned figures from the Christian religion. 7. It has witnessed numerous occasions of political, social and religious significance, including the blessing of a new bishop in December 2021 and the commemoration of the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis in 2019, among others. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Algeria.

History:

Oran Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Oran in Algeria. The construction of the current Oran Cathedral began in 1878 and was completed in 1884. The building was designed in a Romanesque style by French architect Paul Hulot and is considered to be one of the most significant architectural buildings in the city of Oran. The first stone of the Cathedral was laid in 1878 and the building was inaugurated on September 11, 1884. It was built in the memory of those who died during the French conquest of Oran in 1830. The Cathedral was bombed in 1943 by the Allies in World War 2 during raids on the port of Oran. It was largely destroyed, but its bell tower survived. The building was repaired and reopened in 1945 and has since served as a place of worship for the local community. In 1957, another bombing by the French Colonial Army damaged the Cathedral once again, but it was quickly repaired and reopened. Since 2013, the Cathedral has undergone a major restoration project funded by government grants and private donations. The restoration work is expected to be completed by 2020. Today, Oran Cathedral is a popular tourist attraction and serves as a testament to the city’s rich history and culture. It is also the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oran and is one of the largest churches in Algeria. Visit one of the famous monuments of Algeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Oran Cathedral is the most popular and the largest Catholic structure in Africa. 2. It is also one of the most impressive churches in Algeria and the entire Afro-Eurasian region due to its beautiful architecture. 3. The Cathedral was built in French Gothic style in 1881, although the second bell tower was added in 1947. 4. This Cathedral is known for its advanced acoustic properties, allowing worshippers to experience extraordinary sound quality inside. 5. Inside, you will find amazing stained-glass windows that date back to 1952. 6. The walls are decorated with impressive frescoes that illustrate the baptism of Jesus and his life. 7. In 2016, Oran Cathedral underwent major renovations and restoration works, which required almost 4 million euros. 8. In 1993 the Cathedral was declared as a National Monument of Algeria due to its historical and cultural value. One of the historical monuments of Algeria, it tells the story of a bygone era