Basilica of Saint Augustine

The basilica of Saint Augustine stands on the hill above the ruins of Hippo Regius, built between 1881 and 1900 in a Byzantine-influenced manner with a dome, arcades and a tall tower, and visible across Annaba and the gulf. It was raised to mark the city's association with Augustine, who was bishop of Hippo, and it holds a relic said to be a bone of his arm, returned from Pavia in Italy where his remains were taken centuries after his death. The interior is decorated with coloured marble, mosaic and a large statue. It remains a functioning Catholic church with a small congregation and is maintained by a religious community, and the terrace looks down over the excavations.

What you actually see

• The domed basilica of 1900 - Byzantine-influenced building on the hill.
• The relic of Augustine - the bone returned from Pavia.
• Marble and mosaic interior - the decoration of the nave.
• The terrace over Hippo - the excavations seen from above.

When to go

October to May. One to two hours, combined with the Hippo site below. Opening is around services and visits are welcomed; dress modestly.

Honest expectations

It is a working church with a very small congregation and opening depends on the community. There is no formal ticketing or interpretation. The exterior has weathered and restoration has been slow. Taxis are the practical way up.

Nearby

Hippo Regius is directly below; Annaba lies north.