Algeria - 02

The impressive Basilica of Saint Augustine at Annaba is located on a hill top that overlooks the ruins of Hippo Regius in the valley below, where once stood the Basilica of Peace used by Augustine 1,600 years ago.

This basilica at Annaba was built in 1881 by Abbe Pougnet, the architect of the Reform church in Marseilles, France.

The stone for its construction was imported from the south east of France.

The design of the basilica contains Arab, Byzantine, and Roman characteristics that represent Saint Augustine as a person of dialogue at the crossroads of different civilisations.

Behind the building can be seen a Home for the Aged which is conducted by Little Sisters of the Poor. The inmates there are aged and infirm Muslims.

With an increasing acceptance by the government of Algeria of the significance of Augustine in the history of the nation, attention in recent years has been paid to restoration of the basilica, after years of official neglect.

Financial grants from the government of the United States of America in 2004 allowed some repairs of the European leadlight ("stained glass") windows, and grants from Europe have enabled some repairs to the stone work.

Augustinians in Annaba minister in the basilica, and meet many of the visitors attracted to the building.

The basilica welcomes 15,000 visitors a year ranging from school children to participants in international conferences. It also contains a rich library.

(Continued on the next page.)

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Algeria - 02