The main attractions of Tunisia (photos). What to see in Tunisia. Exploring the legendary Carthage, or what to see in Tunisia in a few days Old Town in Tunisia name
If you are lucky enough to visit Tunisia, be sure to visit the Medina - the old part of the city, once surrounded by walls, with narrow streets, markets, shops and mosques. The first buildings appeared here in the 13th-15th centuries during the ruling Hafsid dynasty. Later they were turned into a citadel, the so-called kasbah. Nowadays, only two stone gates dating from the 13th century remain from the walls of the Medina, and part of the fortifications of the Kasbah remains from the ancient buildings. The medina is surrounded by European-style houses built during the French presence. At the top of the Medina is the Government Square and various government buildings. The most exotic quarter of the medina is Souq el Attarine, a magnificent perfume market dating back to the 13th century. Various incense products are sold here today.
While exploring Medina, be sure to pay attention to the doors in Muslim houses. They are usually painted green, brown or blue and covered with carvings. Handles are made in the shape of a woman’s hand, this is the so-called “lucky hand of Fatima”, which brings good luck. In the central part of the Medina there is an extensive covered market and the Great Mosque.
Belvedere Park
Belvedere Park is the largest park in Tunisia, built in 1892 according to the design of Joseph Lafasade, who at that time held the post of chief gardener of Paris. The park kindly provided its delightful expanses of endless green space, which includes 80 species of plants and more than 230,000 trees, typical of the African fauna living in the zoo.
In addition to the wildly popular animals among tourists, the zoo, located in the southern part of the park, houses an artificial lake and an ancient midha (ablution room) from the 17th century, which was transported here from the medina in 1900.
In the center of the Belvedere there is the famous alabaster gazebo Kubba - a monument of ancient Arab architecture, both a resting place and an observation deck. The architecture of the gazebo is interesting: Italian white marble columns with Doric capitals, Moorish-Spanish stucco decorations and Tunisian ceramics.
What sights of Tunisia did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
Water Temple
The Water Temple is one of the most popular temples in the world built in honor of water. By and large, this is not even a temple, rather, just a large fountain, from which drinking water once flowed, floating more than 70 kilometers, the moisture entered Carthage. The temple was beautiful and majestic: it was decorated with 12 statues of nymphs, symbolizing the months. Unfortunately, not a single nymph survived, and only ruins remained of the temple itself. But, despite such injustice, the temple still has magical powers, a certain energy that attracts a lot of tourists here.
The surroundings of the temple are incomparable: a significant number of flowers and wild plants, mighty trees, sun and mountain air flying towards the building from the nearby Zigvan Mountain, which, by the way, gave the name to the town. The mountain cannot boast of its size (1295 m), but it is not short of beauty, as is everything that grows, flies and smells in the area of the temple.
The Gulf of Tunisia is a large bay of the Mediterranean Sea off the northern coast of Africa, washing the territory of Tunisia. On the southern shore of the bay, where the capital of Carthage was previously located, the city of Tunis is now located. In the depths of the bay there is an artificial bay called Mandrakiy, created during antiquity.
French Embassy in Tunisia
At the intersection of Avenue Habib Bourguiba and Avenue de France is the French Embassy in Tunisia. The embassy building is surrounded by greenery. Opposite the embassy is the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul.
Tunisian Lake
Lake Tunis (Arabic: ا ل ب ح ي ر ة, El Bahira) is a lagoon of natural formation located between the capital of Tunisia and the Tunisian Gulf of the Mediterranean Sea. The area of this shallow lake, which was once a sea harbor, is 37 km2.
During the Roman Empire, a dam was built on the lake, dividing it into two parts. The causeway is currently used as a road for cars and trains connecting La Goulette harbor and the coastal towns of Sidi Bou Said and La Marsa. In the northern part of the lake is the island of Chikli, which was once a Spanish fort, and since 1993 has been declared a nature reserve.
Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Tunisia? .
Ishkel National Park
Ishkel National Park is a major stopover point for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds arriving in Africa for the winter. The brackish Lake Ishkel located here is their natural “feeding trough” (among the river and lake inhabitants - eel, mullet, laurel, etc.), it is also the only remaining of such lakes that previously stretched along the entire coast of North Africa.
The first mention of Ishkel dates back to the 13th century, when the ruling Hafsid dynasty banned hunting in the vicinity of the lake. In the modern sense, Ishkel acquired protected status only in 1891.
The lake is accompanied by the low mountains of Jebel Ishkel, the slopes of which are decorated with groves of wild olive, pistachio and phyllirea. The spectacle, I must say, is amazing. The fauna is represented by wild boars, genets, Indian buffalos, mongooses and porcupines.
The most popular attractions in Tunisia with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Tunisia on our website.
Individual and group
More sights of Tunisia
We have selected the most interesting tourist attractions in Tunisia. The Sahara Desert, ancient cities, the Atlas Mountains, Star Wars filming locations, waterfalls and amusement parks - there is something to see!
Almost all significant places of the country are included in the route of two excursions:
A visit to the Carthage Land amusement park and Frigia Zoo are considered separate excursions.
Carthage
Carthage is the ruins of an ancient city, where there is now an open-air museum. Guides will tell you about the centuries-old history of civilization and touch structures built before our era. At the same time, the ruins of Carthage are located next to the modern residence of the president, thanks to which an elite suburb has grown around.
Independent travelers from the capital can travel by train. You need to get to the Tunis Marine station for 1 dinar or take a taxi for 10-12 dinars.
For those staying at resorts, it is better to book an excursion.
City of Sidi Bou Said
Near Carthage in the northern part of the country is the city of Sidi Bou Said, named after Saint Said. In the center of the city there is a spring of the same name, and it itself looks like a residential museum. Traditional architecture in blue tones will amaze every traveler.
The observation deck offers views of the entire bay.
The picturesque blue and white town of Sidi Bou Said 
Streets of Sidi Bou Said
Sea view
Walking the streets
Tourists in Sidi Bou Said
Trading shops
Pedestrian streets
The second association that arises in connection with this country is the Sahara Desert. To organize a tour, it is better to use an organized one. Along the route you will see El Jem, the Colosseum, the city of the troglodytes, the lake of death, a mosque and Star Wars filming locations. You won't be bored.
Local residents take tourists to the Sahara on camels or tetracycles. In the desert itself, you should wait for a wonderful sunset, take a photo as a souvenir and head back or spend the night in a hotel (in the 2-day version of the tour).
Camel trip to the Sahara
Sands of the Sahara Desert
Camel ride through the Sahara Desert
El Jema Colosseum
On the way to the Sahara there is the Colosseum, known from numerous films and historical chronicles. A UNESCO-protected amphitheater stands in El Jem. It looks significantly better than its Roman counterpart. Every tourist city has a taxi-louage that will take you to the attraction. You will have to pay 10 dinars to enter the Colosseum; photography is not included in the ticket.
The greatest mosque in Africa is located in the province (vilayet) of Kairouan, the town of Metlawi and is called Sidi Uqba. It is the fourth most important center of religion in the world in the Muslim hierarchy. It is worth noting that all mosques are open to tourists.
General view of the mosque 
At the Phrygia Zoo near the resort of Hammamet, African animals live in open spaces. All African animals are collected on its territory, and you can also swim with dolphins.
It is possible to get to Phrygia by taxi or from.
Entrance to the zoo costs 8-10 dinars depending on the date of visit.
Flamingo
Territory of the Phrygia Zoo
Giraffes and ostriches at the zoo
White tigers
Children at the Phrygia Zoo
Giraffes in Phrygia
Dolphin show
Navy SEAL performance
Inhabitants of the Phrygia Zoo
Unique exhibits of mosaics from the times of ancient Rome, the Christian, Arab, and Phoenician past are collected in the capital's Bardo Museum. The national complex has 12 halls, where cultural heritage is distributed according to historical periods. The museum building itself is also interesting - a palace from the Middle Ages.
Entrance to the museum is 15 dinars, photos are paid separately.
Inside the Bardo Museum
Inside the museum
Atlas Mountains
The Tower contains the ridge of the Atlas Mountains, which begin in Tunisia and run along the Moroccan coast to Algeria. Mountains separate the sea coasts from the Sahara.
Atlas Mountains Crocodile farm Djerba Explore
An hour's drive from the capital is the crocodile reserve in Jebri. Alligators were brought here from Madagascar. It costs 5 euros to see the crocodiles.
You can take pictures with the animals and even hold them.
The cave city is inhabited by Berbers, who traditionally build houses in the form of half-dugouts. Shops and cafes are set up in the underground dwellings of the ancient people. Such burrows provide a comfortable temperature in a region where the heat and cold are monstrous.
Anakin Skywalker's house from Star Wars was filmed in these places. Getting to Matmata on your own is expensive, since the road runs along a toll highway. However, its visit is included in bus excursions.
Cave Matmata
Matmata
Matmata Square
In the footsteps of Star Wars
In the footsteps of Star Wars
Ancient city of Dougga
The ancient city of Dougga is a well-preserved ruin from Roman times. Located on the top of a hill and shows how the townspeople lived more than a thousand years ago. The city is a unique combination of examples of architecture from several civilizations.
Among the main surviving structures are the mausoleum, temples, amphitheater, public baths, columns and arches.
Amphitheater in the city of Dougga 
Amphitheater
Buildings that have survived to this day
Ancient city of Kerkuan
The ancient city of Kerkuan is the ruins of a city from the Punic Wars, located on a cliff near Cape Bon. The remains of residential buildings keep many secrets about the life and lifestyle of its ancient inhabitants. Mosaic floors and the remains of pink marble baths with rich decorations testify to past luxury and wealth.
The archaeological museum houses a collection of jewelry, ceramics, and coins found during excavations.
Ancient city of Kerkuan Gellala village
A place famous for pottery. Here you can see in detail the process of making dishes and other products in pottery workshops, get acquainted with the principle of operation of special furnaces, and walk through the steep labyrinths of underground caves where clay is mined for work. In numerous shops you can buy various handmade ceramic products.
Gellala village 
Streets with shops
Gellala
Narrow village streets
Medina of Tunis city
The medina of Tunis is the historical part of the city, where you can wander through the narrow streets and enjoy the color of the bustling city. Here you can find the Jami ez-Zeitun Mosque and the Catholic Church, the luxurious palaces of Dar Hussein and Dar Ben Abad Allah and the Turbet el-Bey tomb, government institutions and numerous souvenir shops. The narrow labyrinths of streets create a special atmosphere of a Muslim city.
Medina of Tunisia 
City streets
Tourist market
Cathedral of Saint Vincent de Paul
A majestic 19th century temple in neo-Gothic and Byzantine style. It was erected in honor of a Catholic priest who fell into slavery to the Arabs. Today, the cathedral remains the main spiritual center of Christian believers and a place of pilgrimage for many tourists. The cathedral is impressive with its size, elegant facade of soft sand color, and rich interior.
Cathedral of Saint Vincent de Paul El Ghriba Synagogue
One of the country's most famous attractions is located in a small village on the island of Djerba. According to some sources, it belongs to the oldest synagogues in Africa. Externally, it is a modest building with snow-white walls, but it makes an indelible impression with its interior decoration. Ancient Torah scrolls and memorial tablets in Hebrew are kept here; you can leave a note with a wish at the local Wailing Wall.
El Ghriba Synagogue Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba
The white marble building with a golden dome, designed in the form of a mosque, is the main attraction of Monastir. The mausoleum is dedicated to the first president of independent Tunisia. Construction of the mausoleum began during the life of the president, and after his death the complex was open to everyone. The external luxury of the building is supported by the no less exquisite interior of the tomb with its marble sarcophagus with rich decoration.
Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba Al-Zaytuna Mosque
One of the oldest Islamic shrines in the country's capital. The second name is Olive Mosque. For many years it was also known as a university that became the center of spiritual life for Muslims in the northern part of the African continent. The building is unique thanks to its 160 pillars made from the ruins of Carthage. Tourists especially admire the courtyard with marble and granite columns.
Olive Mosque Ribat fortress in Monstir
The ancient fortification of Ribat Hartem, designed to protect against enemy raids. In former times, warrior monks lived here and trained in the art of war. Today, among the well-preserved walls, towers and numerous passages, you can feel the fighting spirit of the past era, explore the surroundings from a bird's eye view, and also visit the museum, which displays unique collections of chronicles, coins, jewelry and other gold items.
Ribat Hartem Fortress 
Ribat Hartem
View from above
Around the fortress
Ribat fortress in Sousse
An ancient fortress of the 8th-9th century of an unusual square shape with semicircular towers. Many centuries ago, it was used as a defensive structure against attacks from external enemies and as a temporary refuge for travelers exhausted after a long, grueling journey. In the fortress you can visit the courtyard, former cells of warrior monks, a prayer hall and an observation room with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.
Ribat fortress in Sousse 
View from above
Ribat in Sousse
Fortress walls
Kelibia Fortress
A fortified city that was founded during the time of Carthage. The fortress itself is a huge fortification structure, occupying an area of 1.5 hectares. Here you can walk through the mysterious underground casemates, see ancient cannons, the remains of living quarters and wells, and enjoy the dizzying landscapes from the heights of the powerful walls of the fortress.
Kelibia Fortress 
City view
Sea view
Fortress walls
Ishkol National Park
A picturesque natural area in the north of the country. It is famous far beyond its borders for its unique deciduous forests and rich wildlife. The groundwater of the lake located on the territory provides an ecosystem unique to Africa. There are tourist routes for the most active travelers, as well as hammams opened at natural hot springs.
Ishkol National Park Djerba Island
Large island on the northern coast. A former pirate settlement that terrifies all neighboring countries, today Djerba hospitably invites everyone to enjoy a holiday on comfortable beaches, engage in water sports, completely relax in modern thalassotherapy centers, and visit a crocodile farm.
Djerba Island Lake Chott el Djerid
A reservoir with a uniquely smooth and even surface covered with a salt crust. Stretching for 120 km, the salt marsh attracts visitors with its unusual landscapes, endless expanses, magnificent sunsets, mystical mirages and unique plants called “desert rose”. This is a place where you can ride jeeps and take great photos against the backdrop of salt marshes and palm huts.
Lake Chott el Djerid Remains of the scenery for "Star Wars"
Places where the famous saga was filmed. For fans of the series, special excursions are organized with visits to the Barbary underground houses of the town of Matmata, filming locations near the city of Ajim on the island of Djerba, fortresses in the vicinity of the city of Tatavin and the famous canyon nearby Tauzara. Many decorations have been preserved in the village of Nefta.
Decorations for Star Wars Souq el-Jumah market
Shopping destination in Nabeul. Here you can buy original ceramics, leather goods, bright fabrics, and all types of pottery. For the convenience of buyers, the market is divided into several sections that specialize in certain types of products.
Souq el-Jumah market Embankment and port of Monastir
The embankment in Monastir is traditionally used as a place for walking. To the left is an incredibly blue sea, in front are urban skyscrapers of hotels. A clean beach and plenty of entertainment attract tourists to the promenade for the whole day.
Port Marina is a parking place for a wide variety of yachts. There are numerous restaurants serving fishing cuisine on the shore. The harbor is located next to the Medina. The harbor is open mainly in the first half of the day, admission is free.
Dancing fountains of Sousse
In Sousse, in the port of El Kantaoui, you will be delighted by dancing fountains with beautiful light music. In a small park where a complex of fountains is built, it is nice to take a break from the heat and spend a romantic evening.
Singing fountain of Sousse in the port of Port el Kantaoui Clock tower
There is Big Ben in the capital. The clock tower appeared in the late 80s of the last century, stands on one of the central squares of the city (Habib Bourguiba Avenue). Visitors note the obvious similarity of the attraction to Big Ben in Foggy Albion.
Carthage Land Amusement Park
Analogue of the famous Disney Land. The amusement park is located in Hammamet. In addition to various attractions, you can visit a mini zoo, pastry shops and cafes.
The cost of skiing without restrictions is about 1000 rubles in our equivalent.
Near Carthage Land
entrance to the park
On the territory of the park
Attractions
Attractions
Entertainment for children
Laser show "Al Zahra"
In Sousse, tourists are shown a modern laser show “Al Zahra”. These are not only beautiful special effects, but also the history of Tunisia in pictures. The three hours of the show will fly by.
The sights of Tunisia are an important part of traveling around this country. Although most tourists come here expecting beach holidays and thalassotherapy, the amazing history of Tunisia, preserved in ancient buildings and ancient ruins, invariably attracts attention.
The names of some of the sights of Tunisia, for example, Carthage, are known throughout the world. And besides the ruins of the ancient city-state, there are many Roman ruins in Tunisia. Although the main attraction of Tunisia is the Sahara Desert, whose sands occupy a third of the country. A trip to the Sahara will allow you to get acquainted with this amazing territory, see how different the desert can be and how beautiful it is.
And, of course, once in Tunisia, you cannot help but get acquainted with the ancient medinas of Sousse, Tunis and other cities of the country. Ancient mosques and palaces, fortresses and forts will give you the opportunity to get to know a completely different Tunisia, unlike the modern tourist resort.
When people talk about what sights can be found in Tunisia, they often remember the famous “Star Wars”, many episodes of which were filmed here. Tunisia gave the universe of George Lucas the planet Tatooine with all its sands and caves.
Descriptions of the sights of Tunisia
Takruna. This small village is located at an altitude of two hundred meters on a flat plateau in central Tunisia. Previously, this was a haven for pirates and Berber tribes lived here. But now only five families remain from the entire village. Local residents turned the village into a tourist destination, opening a cafe, the Blue Rock Museum and a souvenir shop.
The remains of the ancient Roman city are located on the territory of Hammamet; you can visit it in your free time from the beach and thalassotherapy. This is a museum complex, the entrance to which will cost you 5 TND. It works in winter from 9:00 to 17:00, and in warm weather the working day is extended until 19:00. Break from 13:00 to 16:00.
Fort Hammamet. The history of this fort, rising in the center of the city's medina, begins in the 10th century AD. Subsequently, the fort served as a defensive structure against sea raids. Now the fortress is a historical monument. From April to September the fort is open to visitors from 8:00 to 20:00, and from September to March from 8:30 to 18:00. A visit to the fort will cost you 7 TND, and for the opportunity to take photographs you will have to pay another TND. Getting to the fort, you can explore the medina of the city itself, which is also very interesting.
Synagogue of La Ghriba. The oldest synagogue in North Africa is located on the island of Djerba in the village of Hara Segira. The synagogue was built in the 6th century. It looks very unassuming, but it is here that one of the oldest copies of the Torah is kept.
Carthage. The ruins of the ancient city, the eternal rival of Rome, are located near the capital of Tunisia. You can get there by local train and have fun exploring the remains of buildings from bygone eras. Carthage is included in the UNESCO heritage lists.
Bardo Museum. The country's central museum, located in the city of Tunis, houses works of art that have come down to us from the times of the Roman Empire. There are many statues, mosaics, amphorae and other valuables from those times. You can visit the museum from May 1 to September 30 from 9:00 to 17:00, and from October 1 to April 30 - from 9:30 to 17:30. You will have to pay 11 TND for entry. Children under 12 years old can admire the treasures of Ancient Rome for free.
Lake Chott el Djerid. The magnificent salt lake, located near Toiseur, is considered one of the most striking attractions of Tunisia. The mirror-smooth surface of the lake is covered with a thin salt crust almost all year round. This spectacle captivates with its unusualness and amazing beauty.
Ishkel National Park. The park covers 12,000 hectares, covered with dense deciduous forest. The forest partially occupies the slopes of Mount Ishkel. But the most important object of the park is the freshwater Lake Ishkel, which regularly gives rise to migratory birds. Over 180 species of birds migrate through Ishkel, which lies in northern Tunisia.
Mosque of the Seven Sleepers. The peculiarity of this ancient mosque, in addition to its considerable age, is that ancient giants are supposedly either buried here or sleeping in eternal sleep. The mosque itself is located in Tatawin, a desert vilayet of Tunisia. And the easiest way to visit it is during a tour of the Sahara.
A special feature of this picturesque corner on the north-eastern coast of the island is the regular clusters of pink flamingos. The best time to observe these amazing birds is in the spring, when there are especially many of them in the lagoon.
Colosseum in El Jem. Another structure preserved from ancient Roman times. The majestic amphitheater attracts many travelers. A visit to the stronghold of the Roman Empire will cost you 10 TND. You can bring children under 12 years old here for free, but you will have to pay another 1 TND for photography. You can visit the Colosseum in the summer from 7:30 to 19:00, and at other times from 8:00 to 17:00.
Scenery for "Star Wars". The filming town, created in the Sahara in the 70s and preserved to this day, consistently attracts tourists. The easiest way to get there is from Toiseur, and the scenery is also included in the traditional routes of excursions around the Sahara.
. This amazingly beautiful city of Tunisia sparkles with white and blue hues. These colors create a feeling of eternal morning and lightness in the city. And for some reason they make traditional Tunisian tea with pine nuts especially delicious in Sidi Bou Said.
Naphtha. In this city, 24 mosques with gilded domes were built. Nafta is famous as the second religious center of Tunisia. Many tourists regularly flock to admire the picturesque mosques in the middle of the sands of the Sahara.
You can find out more about the sights of Tunisia on the pages of our website dedicated to its cities.
We'll tell you what attractions you must see in Tunisia. The article contains photos and descriptions of a variety of places. Read before your trip.
Tunisia is famous not only for its excellent beaches with white, flour-soft sand and thalassotherapy. This North African country has many attractions: from historical ruins dating back to the times of the Roman Empire, to noisy and colorful oriental bazaars, beautiful mosques and quiet lagoons with pink flamingos.
Monuments
The mysterious Arab country still retains traces of the great Roman Empire. The most impressive evidence of those times is the Colosseum in El Jem, protected by UNESCO. The amphitheater, designed for 30,000 spectators, could easily compete in scale with the Colosseum in Rome. Bloody gladiator fights were regularly held there, and now in the summer classical music performed by European orchestras is heard here.
The ruins of the famous are no less impressive. Two thousand years ago, this ancient city, built in 814 BC, was considered the largest and most influential on the entire coast. However, in 146 BC. it was completely destroyed by the Romans, and now only miraculously surviving fragments of buildings remind of its former greatness.
A real treasure trove of antiquities is Dugga. In this archaeological park you can get an excellent idea of the ancient city: there is an amphitheater, temples from different periods, a Punic mausoleum, the Square of the Winds, a forum, the Baths of Caracalla and the Capitol with 8-meter columns. On the stone pavement you can see traces of chariots that passed here thousands of years ago.
Planning a trip? That way!We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help you save money while preparing for your trip.
The country's largest province, Tatooine, gained worldwide fame thanks to George Lucas' Star Wars film saga, in which the planet of the same name appears. By the way, the scenes on this planet were filmed here.
Lovers of antiquity will also enjoy the ruins of the Punic city of Pupput, lying between Sousse and Carthage. The remains of mosaics, ruins of baths and ancient Roman dwellings have been preserved here. It is also worth visiting Nabeul, where the ruins of the ancient city of Neapolis lie and the city of Kerkuan with the remains of a Punic settlement of the 6th century BC.
In addition to the ancient ruins, the following architectural attractions stand out:
- The fortress of Kelibia is a city of the same age as Carthage;
- the ancient fort of Ribat in Monastir with its labyrinths of passages and stairs;
- Ribat in Sousse - its watchtowers offer a picturesque view of the old town and seaport;
- the Kasbah fortress, which currently serves as both a prison and a lighthouse;
- Gazi Mustafa fortress with preserved ancient cannons;
- Fort Hammamet, from whose walls a magnificent panoramic view of the bay opens;
- the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba with a large gilded dome and openwork Moorish galleries;
- the elegant Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul, built at the end of the 19th century;
- one of the oldest shrines in the world is the El Ghriba synagogue, where the Torah manuscript is kept;
- the Uqba Mosque, the largest in Tunisia;
- Az-Zaytuna Mosque is the main mosque in the country,
- the Mosque of the Seven Sleepers in the Tataouine region with five-meter tombs of giants.
To get a complete impression of the history of Tunisia, it is worth visiting the Bardo Museum. Within its walls there is a rich collection of Roman mosaics from Punic times to the Byzantine period, as well as interesting artifacts and valuable finds found during archaeological excavations in different parts of the country. The interior interiors of the museum are also admirable, because it is located in the buildings of the Bardo Palace, built in the Middle Ages on the model of the Alhambra Palace.
It will be interesting to visit the Museum of the History of Hammamet, which presents the life of the city in an interesting form, and the Museum of Folk Traditions in Gellale, where you can see scenes from the traditional life of the inhabitants of Djerba.
Nature
Beaches
No matter how the architectural sights of Tunisia fascinate with their ancient history, the chic snow-white beaches with fine sand delight tourists even more. The most beautiful beaches are in Hammamet, Mahdia, Zarzis and on the island of Djerba. Picturesque bays and grottoes adorn the beaches of Raf Raf and El Khawariya. Yasmine Hammamet Beach attracts those who value developed infrastructure and the availability of water activities, clean sand and a gentle entrance to the water. And the beaches of La Marsa and Raoued are distinguished by peace and tranquility.
The Mediterranean Sea, while not as colorful as the Red Sea, does attract divers with its wrecks, from ancient Roman galleons to World War II ships. The most interesting diving spots are on the northern coast (from Bizerte to Tabarca), between Hammamet and Sfax, near Mahdia, on the island of Djerba and on the La Galite archipelago.
Sahara Desert
National parks
There are also real “green islands” in Tunisia where you can hide from the dry heat - national parks and nature reserves. Fresh air delights the small Ishkol National Park, most of the territory of which is occupied by the lake of the same name, surrounded by olive and pistachio groves. This park is famous for being a stopover for migratory birds arriving in Africa for the winter.
From the capital of Tunisia, you can head to the foothills of Jebel Chaambi, covered in giant Aleppo pine trees, in Chaambi National Park, a popular local attraction. In the north of the country, the Bucornine National Park has recently opened, where many beautiful flowers grow, including wild orchids and tulips, and wild cats, jackals, turtles and lizards roam the territory.
You can observe monk seals and millions of birds in the Il Zembra e Zembreta Biosphere Reserve on the islands of Zembra and Zembreta. On the border with Algeria is the Jebel Chambi Nature Reserve, where gazelles, mouflons, foxes and spotted hyenas live peacefully.
National parks also worthy of attention: El Feya with Barbary deer, Bou Hedma with a preserved savannah landscape, Zbil with red foxes and Libyan ferrets.
Entertainment
To fully experience the soul of Tunisia, you should definitely visit the local bazaars. Colorful oriental markets can be found in the Medina (old city) of Tunis and the Medina of Hammamet. Tunisian traders sell everything in their shops: from national fez caps to gold jewelry and handmade clothing. At the same time, there, on the narrow cozy streets of the Medina, you can sit in authentic cafes or simply wander between ancient houses, absorbing the amazing oriental atmosphere.
The new Medina of Yasmine Hammamet makes an unusual impression: on the one hand, it is an ancient Arab city, recreated down to the last detail (with squares, narrow streets, shopping shops and hammams), on the other hand, it is an entertainment complex where you can taste European cuisine in restaurants or watch the popular dance performance “1001 Nights”.
An amazing country is comfortably located on the southern shore of the warm Mediterranean Sea, which fascinates with its grandeur and rich history. We are talking about Tunisia - the pearl of the African continent, which attracts millions of tourists from all over the world every year. This state is famous not only for its warm sea, delightful beaches and unique oriental flavor, but also for its unique architectural and natural sites. The sights of Tunisia will not leave any traveler indifferent - they are so majestic and grandiose.
1. Amphitheater in El Jem
The amphitheater in El Jem is one of the most famous attractions in Tunisia. It was built in the 3rd century on the model of the Roman Colosseum. Historians suggest that the first stones of the foundation of this grandiose structure were laid in 230. Construction continued for eight years, however, it was never completed. Until the 7th century, the building remained unclaimed and almost disappeared from the face of the Earth - local residents began to dismantle it and use the stones for their needs.
The amphitheater in El Jem was built specifically for gladiator fights and chariot races. That is why, under this building, ancient architects conceived a real underground city with special premises for animals, slaves and gladiators. About 30 thousand spectators, who were located on the steps of the amphitheater, could simultaneously watch their bloody battles. The famous film “Gladiator” was filmed in this building.
2. Ruins of Carthage
The ruins of one of the most majestic cities of the ancient world, founded in the 9th century BC. e., are located in the suburbs of Tunisia. For several centuries, this city-state fought with the Romans, and in the 2nd century BC. e. was completely destroyed by them. In its place a new city was built, which later became the most influential in the entire Mediterranean. It is its ruins that tourists see now.
Archaeologists have been able to partially restore only a few structures of that time. Among these is the Roman amphitheater for 5 thousand spectators, in which naval battles were held. Among the ruins of Carthage there are the remains of residential areas, sanctuaries, Roman baths, as well as the longest aqueduct in ancient times. Nowadays, excursions to this landmark of Tunisia are very popular among tourists.
3. Gazi Mustafa Fortress
The Gazi Mustafa Fortress is considered the most monumental landmark of the island of Djerba. The structure was erected by the Arabs in the 9th century to protect against constant attacks by bloodthirsty pirates. The fortress is striking in its inaccessibility - it is surrounded along the entire perimeter by a deep moat, and its stone walls are 4 meters wide.
Throughout its history, this building has been destroyed and modernized several times. It acquired an additional floor and corner battle towers only in the 16th century. At the same time, the fortress received its name, which was given to it after the name of the Turkish military leader. Within the walls of the fortress, for three centuries, there was a pyramid of skulls of the Spaniards, who tried to recapture this structure for three months. The fortress also has a second name – Borj el-Kebir.
4. Medina of Tunis
The historical and spiritual heart of Tunisia is considered to be the Medina, that is, the old city center. The first buildings were erected here in the XII-XV centuries. The entire perimeter of Medina was surrounded by a fortress wall, of which nothing remains now. Only stone gates and part of the fortifications remind of this grandiose structure.
Currently, the Medina of Tunisia attracts tourists with its labyrinth of intricate narrow streets with buildings of different eras and styles, an ancient market with many shops and souvenir shops, as well as the Great Mosque (Jami ez-Zeitoun Mosque), which is the spiritual center of the entire country. The peculiarity of this attraction is its oval shape, while the rectangular one is considered classic. The change in shape occurred as a result of its multiple expansions over the last millennium.
5. Synagogue of La Ghriba
La Ghriba is considered the oldest synagogue not only in Africa, but also in the world. It is located on the territory of the Tunisian island of Djerba in one of the former Jewish villages. Historians suggest that it was erected in the 6th century. BC e. Its founders were exiled Jews who rushed to seek refuge for themselves after the invasion of Jerusalem by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar and his destruction of the Temple of King Solomon.
From the ancient synagogue, only a small part of the foundation has survived to this day. The modern building that tourists see was built in the 19th century on the site of a 16th-century building. The name of the synagogue – La Griba – translated from Arabic into Russian means “amazing”. And this attraction, in fact, surprises - not only with its rich interior decoration, but also with a real treasury of valuable religious literature. Among the sacred scrolls is the world's oldest copy of the Torah.
6. Fort Hammamet
The list of the most popular tourist destinations in Tunisia includes the Hammamet Fort. The history of the fort, which rises in the center of the Medina of Hammamet, dates back to the end of the 10th century. This fortress, like others on this coast, was built specifically to protect followers of Islam from militant Christians and pagans from the desert and sea. Subsequently, the structure was modernized several times, as a result of which it became possible to place shooters and firearms on it. In the 20th century it was restored again and turned into a museum.
The fortress has the shape of a deformed square with walls 13 meters high. Currently, on its territory you can see ancient Turkish cannons, a fortress wall, a museum of the history of the fort and a souvenir shop. In the center of the fort is the tomb of the warrior monk Sidi Bu Ali, who lived there in the 15th century.
7. Ribat Fortress
The ancient fortress of Ribat is one of the most striking attractions of the Tunisian city of Monastir. The structure was erected in the 8th century to protect against enemy attacks, and at first it was small in size. But over time, it transformed into a large-scale defensive complex, the first largest built in North Africa in the Middle Ages. The defenders of the fortress were devoted Muslim monks who were trained in the basics of military affairs and combat tactics.
The fortress occupies an area of more than 4 thousand square meters. Due to numerous reconstructions, many passages and passages appeared in the walls of the building, as a result of which the Ribat became like a labyrinth. The building has been perfectly preserved, and therefore films are often filmed there. Some of the most popular blockbusters filmed in Ribat are “Indiana Jones” by S. Spielberg and “Jesus of Nazareth” by V. Zeffirelli.
8. Sahara Desert in Tunisia
The Sahara Desert is one of the most interesting places in Tunisia for tourists. The Sahara is the largest hot desert on the planet. It covers more than 8.6 million square kilometers, which is about a third of the area of all of Africa. Many people mistakenly believe that the desert is pure sand, deserted expanses and endless golden plains with dunes and pits. However, sands occupy only 25% of the Sahara, the rest of the area is mountains of volcanic origin and rocky rocks.
The desert has many attractions, including the ruins of an outpost of the Roman Empire - Fort Tisavar, the highest dune of the eastern Erg Zemlet el Borma, the monolithic sacred Mount Tembain, and, of course, the most picturesque places of the Sahara - oases surrounded by palm groves.
9. National Bardo Museum
This museum, located in the suburb of Le Bardot in the Tunisian capital, is rightfully considered a landmark throughout North Africa. He is the owner of the most valuable funds - a large number of unique artifacts, as well as the world's largest collection of Roman mosaics dating from different eras.
The Bardo National Museum is housed in a 13th-century country palace built for the then-ruling Hafsid dynasty. It first opened its doors to visitors in 1888. Thanks to the exhibits presented there, you can get acquainted with the history of Tunisia and the legendary Carthage, see household items, jewelry, ceramics of the ancient Romans, and also consider marble statues of their gods. But the main wealth in this museum are mosaics - it presents both the first examples of this art, simple in technique and modest in scale, and monumental, rich compositions of the Romans of our era. This is a must visit place in Tunisia!
10. Mosque of the Seven Sleepers
In a small mountain Berber village called Chenini, the Mosque of the Seven Sleepers is located. On its territory there are five-meter tombs in which, according to legend, giants rest. According to legend, this temple was founded by the Berbers in memory of seven Christians who lived during the Roman Empire. Fleeing from the pursuit of Roman legionnaires, they took refuge in a cave, where they plunged into an uninterrupted sleep for four centuries. At the same time, their bodies continued to grow, and when they woke up, they appeared before the local residents as real giants. After death, their bodies were buried in accordance with Muslim rites, since at that time Islam was already flourishing in the country.
11. Medina Soussa
The medina of Sousse was built in the Middle Ages, around the 9th-11th centuries. This architectural complex is one of the excellent examples of Arab architecture that has survived to this day in its original appearance. The winding, narrow streets of the Medina are surrounded by a ring of walls made from stone blocks that remain from destroyed ancient Roman buildings.
The Medina of Sousse is decorated with picturesque ancient buildings. It is here that the main attractions of the city are located - houses of worship, including the Great Mosque, Bu Ftata, Sidi Ali al-Ammar and others, the Kasbah fortress, the archaeological museum, the Ribat fortress-monastery, as well as a shopping district with local handicrafts and souvenirs.
12. Oasis Shebika
The sights of Tunisia are not only architectural monuments. You can verify this by visiting a truly heavenly place at the foot of the Jebel el-Negub mountain - the Shebika oasis, which is considered one of the most beautiful oases on the entire planet. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world come to see this natural phenomenon - a sky-blue lake with lush green vegetation, surrounded on all sides by scorching desert sands and barren rocks.
In ancient times, there was a Roman outpost on the territory of Shebika; later shelters for the Berbers were built in these places. However, their village was almost completely destroyed by mudflows, and therefore the residents had to leave this area. Now Šebika is a favorite destination for tourists and filmmakers. This mountain oasis became a natural setting for E. Minghella’s film “The English Patient,” which was filmed in 1996.