Oran, Algeria, one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Algeria is a city in northwestern Algeria and is situated on the Mediterranean coast.

Oran, Algeria, one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Algeria is a city in northwestern Algeria. The city is situated on the Mediterranean coast. Oran was a prefecture in the Oran department during the French rule in Algeria. It now is the capital city of the much smaller Oran Province. The Oran city has a population of ca. 1 million and the urban area has a population of 2 million. The city of Oran is a chief port and a commercial center in Western Algeria.

The city of Oran was founded in 903 by the Moorish Andalusian traders. The city was captured by the Spanish under Cardinal Cisneros in the year 1509. The Spanish sovereignty lasted until 1708, when the city was under enemy control by the Ottomans.

Oran was held by Vichy France in the World War II, until it was captured by the Allies in late 1942. The British Royal Navy shelled French warships in the port IN July 1940 after they refused to respond to a British ultimatum. This was designed to ensure they would not fall into German hands. The city became an important business and education centre in the 1960's

Oran is today a major port and a commercial centre. It has 3 universities and the old quarter of Oran has a casbah and an 18th-century mosque.

The city of Oran has a deep rooted culture and heritage. The folk music Raï had its beginnings in Oran. After that there were many famous Raï musicians like Cheb Hasni, Cheb Khaled and Rachid Taha who hail from Oran. The popular violinist named Akim el Sikameya was also born in Oran.

Tourism in the city is highly boosted and you will find various hotels in Oran. There are also several hotel Chains like the Eden Deluxe hotel, Eden Phoenix, Airport Eden, Eden Village. These hotels are well equipped to facilitate the weary travelers.

There are also various restaurants where you try out the taste of the Algerian specialties. The tourists can attend the cinemas, the arts centers, the open-air theatre, the regional theatre, the night clubs and the museums.