January 1, 2011. Algeria's
landmark Catholic church, Notre Dame d'Afrique,
has finally reopened after a three year restoration project on the
basilica.
The
church was in need of repairs after being abandoned during an Islamic
insurgency that Algerians call “the black decade.” It was also
badly damaged during a 2003 earthquake.
Algeria's
landmark Catholic church, Notre Dame d'Afrique,
has finally reopened after a three year restoration project on the
basilica.
The
church was in need of repairs after being abandoned during an Islamic
insurgency that Algerians call “the black decade.” It was also
badly damaged during a 2003 earthquake.
Financing
for the five million euro restoration came from the EU, the city of
Marseille, and French and Algerian governments, as well as private
donors.
A
number of French and Algerian dignitaries attended the opening
ceremony in celebration of a basilica that symbolizes the connection
of people across cultures.
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