Restoration of the Basilica of Saint Augustine at Annaba: a path through intercultural dialogue

The goal of the project is to restructure the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba in order to stimulate a path of intercultural dialogue respectful of cultural and religious diversities. In addition to this first activity we promote training courses for youth and a mediation program with the local authorities.

The project has planned the restructuring of the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba. The intervention of restoration included both the infrastructure of the walls and interior furnishings. The Augustinian Curia, through its projects office, has overseen in particular the restoration of the stained glass windows and of the lighting, succeeding in restoring their beauty, when it seemed that they were beyond repair.

The restoration was handled by a staff composed of experts, above from France, but which also involved much local laborers. The basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba, constructed between 1881 and 1907, is much loved especially by the local population, both Muslim and Christian, that call it “Lala Bouna”, which means “the good mother”. It is an important example also of how an Islamic country such as Algeria can exist in dialogue and encounter and not at random, the restoration was financed by international institutions as well as Algerian institutions, by religious groups and ordinary people. During the inauguration in February 2014 Algerian political leaders and authorities from other countries, imams, benefactors, both Christian and Muslim, were present, and all were in agreement in recognizing in this monument dedicated to Saint Augustine an historical, religious and architectural patrimony, where West meets East