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    Tourist Attractions in Tunisia

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Tunisia. Photos and a brief description.

    About Tunisia

    Tunisia is a small North African country with access to the Mediterranean Sea. This state has everything for a quality beach holiday: a long coastline, comfortable hotels in cities Sousse, Hammamet and Monastira, working under the “all inclusive” scheme, evening and night entertainment, which are offered by clubs and restaurants of the resort areas.

    On the territory of Tunisia, there are many historical monuments from the period of the rule of the Phoenicians, the Roman Empire, the reign of the Arabs and the rule of the Ottoman Empire. The legacy of the French colonialists has a great influence in the country, thanks to which Tunisia remains a modern and progressive country developing along a secular path.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Tunisia

    Ancient city of Carthage

    The capital of the ancient Phoenician state, founded in 814 BC. Until 146 BC, it was the largest and most influential city in the entire western Mediterranean. After it was conquered and destroyed during the Punic Wars, it lost its significance. The remains of Carthage are located near the capital — the city of Tunis.

    Ancient city of Carthage
    Amphitheater in El Jam

    Amphitheater in El Jam

    The Roman amphitheater was built in 238, which was the largest in Africa and only slightly inferior in size to the Colosseum. Despite the destruction of previous centuries, the structure has come down to us in a well-preserved form. Under the main arena there is a whole underground city, where in the days of gladiators wild animals and fighters preparing for battle were kept.

    The city of Sidi Bou Said

    A small picturesque town 17 km away. from the capital. The architecture of the buildings repeats the ornaments of traditional Arab settlements. Since 1915, according to the decree of the authorities, it was forbidden to build modern buildings here, so as not to violate the authentic appearance. For tourists, Sidi Bou Said is an attraction, for locals it is just an ordinary city.

    The city of Sidi Bou Said
    Sahara Desert in Tunisia

    Sahara Desert in Tunisia

    This huge desert occupies almost 30% of the territory of the state. Its vast expanses are almost uninhabited, only Bedouin tribes periodically wander from place to place. The Sahara is a popular place for tourists – jeep safaris and excursions to Bedouin settlements are arranged here.

    National Bardo Museum

    Museum complex in a beautiful old building of the XVII century. in the suburbs of Tunis. Along with the National Museum of Egypt, it is considered the best and largest in North Africa. The 12 halls feature exhibits from various eras, telling about the Phoenician, Roman, Christian and Arab past of the country.

    National Bardo Museum
    The ancient city of Dugga

    The ancient city of Dugga

    The ruins of an ancient Roman city, where more than 25 thousand people lived centuries ago. Well-preserved temples, theaters, fountains, necropolises and mausoleums have reached our days. There are even traces of chariots that once passed here on the stone pavements. Visiting Duggi can give an exhaustive idea of the life of a large ancient city.

    The ancient city of Kerkuan

    The remains of the Punic settlement of the VI century BC. This is the only surviving example of Phoenician-Punic architecture, so it is of special historical value. The city was destroyed by the Romans in the III century BC, the ruins were discovered already in the XX century. Kerkuan is included in the UNESCO Heritage List.

    The ancient city of Kerkuan
    Gellala Village

    Gellala Village

    It is located in the south of the island Djerba. This is a settlement of local artisans who communicate with each other in the Berber language and make clay products using ancient technologies. There are about 450 workshops in the village where pots, jugs, dishes, spice containers, vases and vessels are made.

    Matmata Cave City

    A Berber city where the older generation of this nomadic people lives in caves. The rooms are dug right into the rocks, some "houses" are two- and three-storey. This method of housing construction was dictated by the harsh desert conditions. During the unbearable heat and sandstorms, cave dwellers feel quite comfortable inside their homes.

    Matmata Cave City
    Medina of Tunis

    Medina of Tunis

    It is the historical center of the capital of Tunis. This is an interweaving of old squares, market shops, narrow stone streets and traditional quarters, where the ignorant can easily get lost. In the Medina, you can admire the cozy courtyards and ancient mosques that have been standing here for hundreds of years.

    Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul

    The Cathedral of the Christian Cathedral of Tunis, located opposite the French Embassy. The cathedral was built twice – in 1881 and in 1893, since some geological features were not taken into account during the first construction and the building collapsed. The building is the property of the Catholic Church under a 1964 agreement.

    Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul
    El Ghriba Synagogue

    El Ghriba Synagogue

    Jewish Temple on the island Djerba, one of the oldest shrines in the world. Its age is more than 2000 years, Jews from all over the world constantly make pilgrimages to these places. The synagogue keeps a manuscript of one of the most ancient sacred Jewish books – the Torah. The relics of Saint Shimon are also buried here Bar Yashai (author of the Talmud).

    Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba

    The tomb of the first president of independent Tunisia, located in Monastir. Thanks to H. Bourguiba, the country became independent from France in the middle of the XX century. This is an impressive building in a traditional style Maghreb – a large gilded dome, high minarets and Moorish arches-passages.

    Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba
    Ukba Mosque

    Ukba Mosque

    One of the largest mosques in Tunisia is located in Kairouan. The history of the temple began in the VII century, when under the supervision of an Arab commander The first small building was erected by Uqba ibn Nafi. For a long time Ukba was a place of pilgrimage for Muslims who could not get to Mecca. According to one of the ancient fatwas, visiting this mosque seven times was equivalent to visiting Mecca once.

    Az-Zaytun Mosque (Olive Mosque)

    The main mosque of the country and the only temple to which representatives of other religions have access. In the XII-XIV centuries, the building housed the University of Islamic Law and the Study of the Koran. At the lectures, 10 thousand listeners gathered in a spacious prayer hall. This is the oldest and most revered mosque in Tunis.

    Az-Zaytun Mosque (Olive Mosque)
    Ribat Fortress in Monastir (Ribat Khartem)

    Ribat Fortress in Monastir (Ribat Khartem)

    The structure of the VIII century, which served as a defense against attacks from the sea and land. This powerful structure has been well preserved thanks to repeated restoration in the past years. Now tourists are allowed into the fortress, who can admire Monastir and the surrounding area from the upper observation decks.

    Ribat Fortress in Sousse

    It also served to protect against attacks by Berbers from the desert and Gentiles from the sea. Ribat was built in the form of a square with semicircular towers on the sides. The fortress gave shelter to travelers and merchants fleeing from danger. One of the watchtowers offers a picturesque view of the seaport Sousse and the old town.

    Ribat Fortress in Sousse
    Kelibia Fortress

    Kelibia Fortress

    The oldest city-fort, built in the V-III centuries BC, is the same age as Carthage. It is 100 km away. from the capital of the country. In addition to the historical value, tourists are attracted by the best Tunisian beach located here. Mansour and great seafood restaurants.

    Phrygia Zoo

    One of the most visited places by tourists is located in the suburbs of Hammamet. It contains more than 50 species of birds and animals. Guests can admire the representatives of African fauna: flamingos, lemurs, crocodiles, cheetahs, lions and swans. It will also be interesting to take a look at the show with the participation of dolphins and fur seals.

    Phrygia Zoo
    Atlas Mountains

    Atlas Mountains

    A mountain system that starts in Tunisia and continues along the Algerian and Moroccan coasts. The highest peak of the chain reaches a height of 4000 meters. Coniferous forests grow here, waterfalls roar and deep canyons yawn with an abyss. Viewing platforms in picturesque places are equipped for tourists.

    Ishkel National Park

    A small nature reserve, most of which is occupied by a lake Ishkel. It was created in order to preserve the unique ecosystem of the reservoir and adjacent territories. Several species of migratory and waterfowl overwinter here. A typical Mediterranean landscape pleases the eye in the reserve: olive and pistachio groves, juniper thickets and acacia.

    Ishkel National Park
    Djerba Island

    Djerba Island

    A famous resort and the warmest place in Tunisia. Due to the fact that Djerba is located south of the main tourist areas, the water and air are always a couple of degrees warmer here, the season lasts a little longer. The island's infrastructure is well developed – it offers restaurants, modern hotels and a variety of entertainment.

    Lake Schott El Jerid

    A huge lake covered with a salt crust. Its area is almost 250 km2. The reservoir is famous for the fact that fancy salt crystals shimmer with different colors depending on the angle of the incident sunlight. This is a picturesque and exciting sight, locals and guests like to visit the lake in winter, when it is already cool in the north of the country.

    Lake Schott El Jerid
    The remains of the scenery for

    The remains of the scenery for "Star Warriors"

    It was in Tunisia that the episodes of the famous saga were filmed. In the Sahara Desert, George Lucas created a distant world of the planet Tatooine (named after a local town). Until now, the grandiose scenery for the film, which has turned into a popular tourist attraction, has remained at the filming location.

    Souk el-Juma Market

    A typical colorful bazaar for this area, where after an exciting auction you can buy interesting ceramics, Berber jewelry, scarves, incense, spices and a thousand other useful things. The market is known for the fact that Tunisian potters have been selling their works here since the XVI century.

    Souk el-Juma Market