Source: aboutalgeria.com
Aokas is known for its high mountains (Imma Tadrart at an altitude of 437 m), its fairy caves and beautiful beaches, but also for its majestic architecture called: the Castle of the Countess or the Poisat Castle (Château Poizat). This residential mansion, built on a rampart, at the western entrance of the Bejaia city, is located along the RN9 road; 1.5 km from the city of Aokas and anyone who is crossing this road can easily see the Countess’s Castle facing the sea since it is located near the road. It is a real masterpiece which enjoys a natural position; it is surrounded by forests and facing the sea.
The Countess’s Castle, a monumental building is dated back to the colonial era. The construction work of this residence began in 1870 and ended in 1890 by a French army general, nicknamed Poison, who had no heirs. It is said that this general was married to an Algerian woman from the region of Bejaia and when it was done, he wanted to give it a surname of his wife, but she refused. Then the general decided to give to his sumptuous residence the name “The Countess’s Castle” in the honor of his wife whom he loved so much.
