Bey's Palace

Bey's Palace is a historically significant palace in Constantine, Algeria. The palace was one of the primary attractions during Constantine's designation as the Arab Capital of Culture in 2015.

During the reign of Ahmed Bey ben Mohamed Chérif, the palace was built. The construction began in 1825 and was completed in 1835, two years before Constantine fell under French rule. For the architectural design, Ahmad Bay enlisted the help of a Genovese engineer, Chiavino, and two well-known artists, Al-Jabari and Al-Khatabi.

When the inauguration began in 1835-36, Ahmed Bey lived in the palace as the monarch. Ahmed's delight in this magnificent location was short-lived. The French forced him out two years later and transformed the palace into their headquarters, then with independence, the Algerian troops came in and built up camp.

Bey's Palace is made up of three rooms and a lawn with orange and palm trees. The suites are linked by a corridor with arcs supported by 266 marble columns. There are also three courtyards and two marble fountains. The ceilings are also marble tiled. There are 540 cedar wood doors etched and carved with various sculptures and decorations. More than 2,000 square meters of palace walls were painted with paintings illustrating Ahmed Bey's journeys to Alexandria, Tripoli, and Algeria, as well as 15 months of travel to Istanbul, Cairo, and Hejaz in 1818 and 1819, as well as additional travels before and during his tenure as Bey of Constantine.

Location: Constantine, Algeria