The city of Oran is a major coastal city located in the northwest of Algeria. It is considered the second most important city of Algeria, after the capital, Algiers, because of its population and commercial, industrial and cultural importance. Oran, has a thousand-year-old history dating back to Berber times. It has been marked by various civilizations, which has left a unique architectural and cultural imprint on the city. The medina, with its narrow streetsand traditional stone houses, is a veritable historical labyrinth. Packed with narrow streets and historic buildings, it is home to architectural treasures such as the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Santa-Cruz chapel and Abdelhamid Ben Badis Mosque.