 |
 |
Oran: The Radiant City From 18 - 21 April 2010, Oran will be the host city of the Sixteenth International Conference on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG16). Oran has not been inadvertently selected. The city's strategic geographical location, its modern services network, its extensive, successful experience in organising large events and its special, hospitable character guarantee success. Oran has thus all the assets to host a world event of this magnitude. Oran is a vibrant international city that heartily enjoys its tradition of being a place of firsts. A city of sun and history, Oran forms a bridge to Europe because of its geographical location and its culture. It has witnessed the mass migration of numerous people, which has shaped the course of its history. The home to countless civilizations, Oran is a natural gateway, offering a friendly welcome and genuine hospitality. Spread along the Mediterranean Sea some 450 km west of Algiers, the capital city of Algeria, Oran is a metropolis proud of its rich history and unrivalled natural beauty. Lively, mesmerizing and dazzling, Oran, whose name in Arabic is “Wahran,” "two lions" is also known as "El-Bahia," the radiant city. The legend states that up to the IX° century there were still lions in the region. The last two, were hunted few kilometres far from the city in a mountain which has been named “La Montagne des Lions” (the lions’ mountain)
Oran Tells its Story A first glimpse of the city is love at first sight, and will entice you to come back and explore it thoroughly. Oran is a city not only to live, but a great place to visit as well. It offers its visitors moments of breathtaking discovery. Visitors will find a wide range of options for getting around, along with a wealth of opportunities for historical, cultural and nature tourism in which all their essential values have been exceptionally preserved. Its remains, its historical buildings and its beaches, in particular, make it a magic city with a diversity of landscapes. Oran is generously endowed by nature. Located at the bottom of a bay, Oran is open to the north and is dominated by the 375m height Murdjajo Mountain in the west. Our special tip in order to truly discover Oran is a journey back in time. A visit to the historical district of Sidi El-Houari, which hides treasures and amazing sights, is an absolute must. You will be able to see the monumental gateways which greet the visitor. Among these stand the prestigious El Bey Palace, Pasha Mosque and the mausoleum where lies the saint of the city. Tourists can also visit what used to be called the Negro village (currently Medina Jdida / the new city), Santa Cruz fortress, Ahmed Zabana museum, the sea front boulevard and the “Place d'Armes” and the town Hall guarded by the statues of two lions. To be offered unforgettable, enchanting views, "Abdelkader Alloula Opera House is at a walking distance from the town hall. Those who seek the sun and the sea can go to the many strikingly unique fine sandy beaches, which stretch over dozens of kilometres (Ain Turck, Coralès, Bousfer, Andalouses, etc...). Visitors can sit in a cafeteria terrace, sip tea with mint or taste cinnamon flavoured coffee and take pleasure in listening to the beautiful melodies of Ahmed Wahbi or Blaoui El Houari, the great figures of the Oran music. Those with special preference for lively music will enjoy Rai songs sung by Khaled ,Hasni, Zahouania, Bilal and many others . |
 |
