Cherchell National Public Museum preserves material from ancient Caesarea in Mauretania. Its historic building on place des Martyrs, opened in 1908, is arranged around a courtyard and galleries housing archaeological collections.
From scattered discoveries to a museum
The cultural map traces the successive moves of objects discovered in Cherchell during the 19th century. They were first brought together in temporary premises, including a small mosque, then moved following an earthquake and as the city changed. The opening of a dedicated building in 1908 reflected the growing importance of these discoveries.
Sculptures, mosaics and everyday objects
The institutional account describes four Moorish-style galleries opening onto a courtyard. The collections include ancient sculptures, mosaics, funerary stelae and architectural elements. Another entry on the cultural map also mentions coins, jewellery, pottery, lamps and grave goods from several periods.
These collections allow visitors to consider depictions of gods and figures alongside the decoration of houses and objects used in everyday life. Reading the findspots given on the gallery labels helps to connect the pieces with the history of Caesarea, rather than viewing them as isolated works.
Do not confuse the buildings
The sources also mention a new site museum in Cherchell. Existing pages devoted to this second building are kept separately in this guide. Before visiting, specify which building you wish to see and ask which collections are accessible there. The museum's former web domain is not recommended: the captured page contains gambling content unrelated to heritage.
Address and contact details
- City or locality
- Cherchell
- Published address
- Place des Martyrs, Cherchell
- Telephone
- 024 33 31 84
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
These contact details appear in an old directory; their current validity remains to be confirmed.
Plan your visit
The links and sources can help you with your research, but do not constitute a verified visitor information or booking service. Have the entrance location and visiting arrangements confirmed locally before travelling.