The Errahmane Mosque, formerly the Cherchell Church, is a religious monument located in the city of Cherchell, Algeria. Built in 1876, it is a remarkable example of neoclassical architecture from the colonial era.
History
The first stone of the church was laid and blessed on December 25, 1876. The commune contributed to the financing and allowed the use of antique materials from various sites in Cherchell, notably from the hippodrome. The church was officially blessed on January 1, 1895, by Archbishop Desserre, Archbishop of Algiers.
The initial plan of the church was inspired by the Temple of Saturn in Rome, with a colonnade and a peristyle of six columns. However, this was only realized in 1955 with reconstructed stone. On May 17, 1930, the church was solemnly consecrated during a grand ceremony attended by two cardinals and fifteen bishops from around the world.
After Algeria’s independence in 1962, the church was converted into a mosque in 1963, and significant modifications were made to the building. In October 1980, the mosque was damaged by an earthquake, necessitating consolidation work.
Architecture
The Errahmane Mosque features a unique blend of architectural styles. Its exterior facade mimics an ancient peristyle, composed of six columns, and blends harmoniously with Martyrs’ Square (formerly the Roman square) where it is located. The building has a simple and symmetrical rectangular shape.
Inside, magnificent colonnades support galleries. Twenty columns, including two in white marble, two in Chenoua marble, and sixteen in Hadjret en Nous granite, adorn the space. Unfortunately, all the columns have been painted pink and white.
Cultural and Historical Importance
The Errahmane Mosque is an important testament to Algeria’s colonial history and the evolution of religious architecture in the country. Its conversion into a mosque also reflects the social and cultural changes that took place after independence.
State of Conservation
Despite the damage sustained during the 1980 earthquake and the modifications made during its conversion, the Errahmane Mosque remains in good condition. Consolidation work has been carried out to ensure its stability, and it continues to be an important place of worship for the Muslim community of Cherchell.
The Errahmane Mosque, formerly the Cherchell Church, is a religious monument located in the city of Cherchell, Algeria. Built in 1876, it is a remarkable example of neoclassical architecture from the colonial era.
History
The first stone of the church was laid and blessed on December 25, 1876. The commune contributed to the financing and allowed the use of antique materials from various sites in Cherchell, notably from the hippodrome. The church was officially blessed on January 1, 1895, by Archbishop Desserre, Archbishop of Algiers.
The initial plan of the church was inspired by the Temple of Saturn in Rome, with a colonnade and a peristyle of six columns. However, this was only realized in 1955 with reconstructed stone. On May 17, 1930, the church was solemnly consecrated during a grand ceremony attended by two cardinals and fifteen bishops from around the world.
After Algeria’s independence in 1962, the church was converted into a mosque in 1963, and significant modifications were made to the building. In October 1980, the mosque was damaged by an earthquake, necessitating consolidation work.
Architecture
The Errahmane Mosque features a unique blend of architectural styles. Its exterior facade mimics an ancient peristyle, composed of six columns, and blends harmoniously with Martyrs’ Square (formerly the Roman square) where it is located. The building has a simple and symmetrical rectangular shape.
Inside, magnificent colonnades support galleries. Twenty columns, including two in white marble, two in Chenoua marble, and sixteen in Hadjret en Nous granite, adorn the space. Unfortunately, all the columns have been painted pink and white.
Cultural and Historical Importance
The Errahmane Mosque is an important testament to Algeria’s colonial history and the evolution of religious architecture in the country. Its conversion into a mosque also reflects the social and cultural changes that took place after independence.
State of Conservation
Despite the damage sustained during the 1980 earthquake and the modifications made during its conversion, the Errahmane Mosque remains in good condition. Consolidation work has been carried out to ensure its stability, and it continues to be an important place of worship for the Muslim community of Cherchell.
