CHAPEL OF SANTA CRUZ

Fort of Santa Cruz. Built in a strategic location and perched at 386 meters above sea level on the mountain of Aïdour (or Murdjadjo), the fort of Santa Cruz (literally "Holy Cross") can be seen from afar in Oran and has even become the city's postcard. A place rich in history, due in particular to the violent battles that took place there. It is a jewel of the Spanish military architecture of the 17th century. Of an austere beauty, it is built in stones extracted from the mountain of Murdjadjo. It bears the name of one of the Spanish governors of the time, the Marquis of Santa Cruz.

Chapel of the Virgin and Basilica of Our Lady of Salvation. Below the fort of Santa Cruz, the site of the chapel of the Virgin is marked by a dome whose blinding whiteness stands out against the deep blue of the sea and underlines the benevolence of Our Lady of Salvation, still called Lalla Mariam, who watches over the city. It was built in the 19th century following a terrible epidemic of cholera to bring the protection of the Virgin to the inhabitants.

In the 1950's, the basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Salut was added to the chapel in order to welcome the pilgrims who were more and more numerous.

The site of the basilica has just been superbly restored, after work carried out under the direction of the bishop of Oran with the support of the Algerian public authorities. It was a delicate restoration but it is particularly successful.

If you have never been to Oran, this is really the place to start your visit because you will not only be struck by the beauty of the city but, above all, you will have a breathtaking view of the city and the coastline, especially thanks to the new panoramic platform above the basilica. From up there, you can even easily observe the surroundings of the city, including Lake Sebkha, a large salt lake to the south, the Tessala chain, the harbor of Mers El Kebir and the bay of Oran to the cliffs of Kristel.

Good toknow. To reach the site of Santa Cruz by car, you will have to take a road which goes up dry with many curves. Be careful, it is narrow!

Moreover, if one reached Santa Cruz by the road which curved through the wood of the Planters, today disadvised because badly attended, one prefers today that which circumvents the rock by north.

Avoid visiting the site after 5 pm because it is not safe after dark and several thefts and assaults have been reported in the evening. In the morning and during the day, no problems on the other hand!