The town is well known for the eponymous gorge nearby, described by locals as the "Mouth of the Desert".

[2] They also constructed an arched bridge over the river in the bottom of the gorge, in order to allow caravans and military supplies to pass through the town with ease.

[2] In the second century A.D., the town and bridge were guarded by Syrian archers who are thought to have planted the first date palm grove in the region.

[2] A highway and railroad follow the same path as the ancient Roman road through the town.

Les grandes Familles d'origine Arabe d'El Kantara sont : ABDELAZIZE, BELLAL, HOUFANI, KHIREDDINE, SAADLAOUD, SOURI, YOUB et ZEROUG.