Le tombeau de la chretienne is a climb of 3.7 kilometers (category 3). Le tombeau de la chretienne tops out at 248 m above sea level. It is located in Aïn Tagourait ⵄⵉⵏ ⵜⴰⴳⵓⵔⴰⵢⵜ عين تقورايت, Tipaza, Algérie ⵍⵣⵣⴰⵢⴻⵔ الجزائر. The average gradient is 6.4% with a maximum of 10%. The climb has 236 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: This Cat 3 climb is moderately tough. The average gradient of 6.4% is steady, but the profile alternates between 5% sections (more manageable) and 7% sections (more demanding). The final 150m ramp up to 9% requires a bit of reserve in the tank.
Pacing tips:
1. Use the 5% sections to recover: Take advantage of the two 5% stretches (around KM 0.5-1.0 and 2.0-2.5) to recover a little and settle your pace before the steeper sections.
2. Save something for the finish: Keep some legs for the last 200 metres, where the gradient hits 9%. Don't blow up in the final kilometre, which is mostly at 7%.
Cyclists who have climbed the hill to the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania are unanimous: the summit finish gives a jaw-dropping panoramic view. On one side, the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Tipaza; on the other, the green fields of the Mitidja and the Atlas Mountains. This unique setting, combined with the imposing presence of the ancient tomb, more than rewards the effort of the climb.
Riders' experiences are mixed, however, when it comes to the condition of the site and the facilities. While the monument itself is described as impressive and well preserved, many reports lament the lack of upkeep around the site, the presence of litter, and the glaring absence of information panels to explain the rich history of the place. Vandalism (graffiti) on the ancient stones is also frequently pointed out.
Entry to the site is paid (around 120 DA for adults), and secure parking is available. Cyclists appreciate the café-restaurant with a terrace offering a great view, ideal for a break before the descent. One point of frustration comes up often: the visit is limited to the outside, as access to the interior of the mausoleum is closed to the public, which leaves some feeling a bit short-changed.
Despite these reservations, the climb to this site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains a powerful experience. Cyclists feel a real sense of escape and a connection with history as they grind up toward this millennia-old monument, a silent witness to the Numidian and Roman civilizations that shaped the region.
3.7 km • 236 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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