Sacred Heart Cathedral of Oran

Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur d'Oran

This former Roman Catholic cathedral, built between 1904 and 1913, was the first church in French overseas territories constructed from reinforced concrete. Deconsecrated after Algeria's independence, it has served as Oran's public library since 1996.

📜 Former Roman Catholic cathedral, now a public library.
🔍 First church in French overseas territories built with reinforced concrete.

Why Go

🏛️ Marvel at unique Neo-Byzantine architecture
📚 Explore a bustling public library in a historic setting
🎨 Admire colorful mosaic portrayals of Jesus and the Four Gospels
🕊️ Observe pigeons inside, a unique contrast to its past
📖 Connect with Algerian 20th-century history, featured in Camus's 'The Plague'

Why Avoid

⚠️ Pigeons and their droppings inside

Tips

🆓 Free to enter and walk around as a public library

Last updated 3 days ago

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