Constantine (Algerien)

Not to be confused with Constantinople, the historical city from 330 to 1453 in Thrace, now Istanbul, Turkey.Constantine is the capital of Constantine Province in north-eastern Algeria. During Roman times it was called Cirta and was renamed "Constantina" in honour of emperor Constantine the Great. It was the capital of the same-named French département until 1962. Slightly inland, it is about 80km from the Mediterranean coast, on the banks of the Rhumel river.Regarded as the capital of eastern Algeria and the centre of its region, Constantine has a population of 448,374 (938,475 with the agglomeration), making it the third largest city in the country after Algiers and Oran. There are museums and important historical sites around the city.It is often referred to as the "City of Bridges" due to the numerous picturesque bridges connecting the mountains the city is built on.Constantine was named the Arab Capital of Culture in 2015.