Fort Bordj Moussa

Bordj Moussa Museum – Béjaïa

Perched on the heights of Béjaïa, the Bordj Moussa Museum occupies an old 16th-century Spanish fort, built by Ferdinand de Navarro on the ruins of the Palace of the Star. Initially a military fort under the reign of Charles V, it became a stronghold during the Turkish period, then a prison under French colonization, known as Fort Barral. Since 1989, it has been transformed into a museum, housing treasures ranging from prehistory to the contemporary era.

📜 History and Architecture

• 1539: Construction by the Spanish (ground plan found).

• 1555: Conquest by Salah Raïs Pacha, departure of the Spanish, occupation by the Turks.

• Defensive Architecture: walls over 2 meters thick, watchtowers, central terrace, north side in a "V" shape to encircle the enemy.

🖼 Museum Collections

• Archaeology: carved stones, tools, prehistoric jewelry, human and animal bones, beads, ostrich bones.

• Antiquity: Roman stelae, bust of Emperor Caracalla.

• Sculptures: NEO-BID by Camille Claudel (masterpiece), Samson and Delilah by Just-Becquet, Satire by J. Esconla, Foehr by S. Erica.

• Paintings: works by Émile Aubry (French painter born in Sétif) and other ancient and contemporary artists.

📍 Why Visit?

• Delve into the history of Béjaïa from the 16th century to the present day.

• Admire a masterpiece of military architecture.

• Discover a unique collection blending prehistory, antiquity, and modern art.