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What to see and do — Khenchela

The eastern Aurès region has been inhabited for 10,000 years. Under the Romans, Khenchela (Mascula) was a Saharan border city with baths, forum and theater. The region was Islamized late, retaining its Chaoui language and traditions. In the Middle Ages, it was a fiefdom resistant to Arab dynasties (Idrisids, Aghlabids). The Ottomans exercised only nominal authority — the Aurès remained largely autonomous. The French entered in 1845, but Aurès resistance continued into the early 20th century. The region is the cradle of the independence war: on November 1, 1954, insurrection broke out at Arris (Batna) and quickly spread to Khenchela. During the war, the eastern Aurès were a major FLN maquis. At independence, Khenchela became a wilaya in 1984.

• 📍Mount Chélia — Highest Aurès peak (2,328 m), Algeria's second, climbing hike, panoramic views
• 📍Mascula (Roman Khenchela) — Roman remains: forum, baths, theater, downtown remains
• 📍Hammam Salihine — Ancient Roman thermal springs (~50°C), spa town, hotel complex
• 📍Belezma National Park — Millennial cedars (shared with Batna), protected fauna, hiking trails
• 📍Tighanimine Gorges — Spectacular defile in the Aurès, legendary Roman army stage
• 📍Ghoufi Balconies — Wadi Abiod canyon (near Batna border), Chaoui troglodyte villages