Tunisia history of the country attractions. Tunisia

Sights of Tunisia

– these are not only beautiful beaches, but also many surprises. This is a North African country with Saharan sand dunes, ancient ruins and exotic cities. was once part of the Roman Empire, and after the fall of Rome, many objects of cultural wealth remained here. The influence of Arab countries affected architecture.

Once you've seen the minarets and felt like a gladiator on El Jem, it's time to head to the Sahara to experience the desert and the beauty of its yellow sands. Sun-drenched beaches Mediterranean Sea, washed by gentle waves, will await your return.

El Djem Amphitheater

Modern city surrounded by the walls of a majestic Roman amphitheater. Well preserved to this day, but it is one of the best examples of this type of architecture, taking us back to the time when the Roman Empire captured more and more lands in North Africa.

You can wander through the corridors and arena, or climb onto the upper tiers, imagining yourself as a resident of that era that has long sunk into oblivion.

Djerba

A fabulous beach holiday is about the island of Djerba. In the main city of the island, you can get lost among the identical white houses and shops. The beaches of Djerba are valued for their elegant coastline, decorated with date palms. Your summer dreams will come true here!

Sidi Bou Said

is a small village located on the top of a cliff. It is so picturesque and miniature that it seems as if it is part of an artist’s canvas. It is not surprising that many painters created their works of art here. Winding alleys, wrought-iron fences, white houses, blue doors - Mediterranean rural architecture is the highlight of Tunisia.

Carthage

Carthage, once a rival of Rome, was built by the Phoenicians. The history of the city is forever inscribed in books about the legendary Punic Wars. Even the greatest cities turn into ruins - these and other philosophical thoughts come to mind. When you walk through what remains of Carthage.

Bardo Museum

Even those who don't usually like going to museums will be impressed by the beauty of the mosaics that house the Bardo Museum's collections. This museum is one of the best in all of northern Africa, and its collection of various mosaics is one of the richest in the whole world.

Grand Erg Oriental

Most of Tunisia is occupied sand dunes Sugars. One of the most beautiful corners of the desert is the Grand Erg Oriental. The constantly changing landscape gives off a certain surrealism. Tourists enjoy riding buggies and camels here. Sitting on the top of the dune and watching the sunset are moments you will never forget.

Bulla Regia

There are quite a few Roman ruins in Tunisia, and Bulla Regia is one of the most popular. History buffs will certainly enjoy exploring the Roman buildings, some of whose walls remain intact. Bulla Regia is an echo of an ancient world that has practically disappeared into oblivion.

Kairouan

Mosques, madrassas, tombs - there are a lot of monuments in Kairouan, it is the fourth most important Islamic city. Arabic architecture is very inspiring with its thin minarets and huge domes. Labyrinths of alleys, colorful houses, interesting objects at every step - be sure to visit if you are going to relax in Tunisia!

Sousse Medina

This area of ​​the city is shopping paradise with a huge selection of ceramics, leather and metal products. Away from the markets and bazaars there are quiet streets where you can relax away from the hustle and bustle.

Chott el Djerid

The unearthly landscape of Chott el Djerid is full of mirages flickering on the horizon and puzzle pieces that make up a picture of the earth cracked from dryness. This desert area, located next to Tauzare, is striking in its dazzling natural ruggedness. You will see such bizarre landscapes that you could not even think of before.

Hammamet

– a beautiful resort, snow-white buildings overlooking the bright blue sea. All the joys summer holiday embodied on the soft sands of this beach.

Monastir Ribat

This is the most photographed building in Tunisia. Monastir Ribat is one of the few surviving port buildings that formerly served as a fortress wall for the city. It now serves as a tourist site, an iconic landmark that should be added to your list of places to visit during your Tunisia holiday.

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 most large park Tunis, 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, at the same time a place of rest and Observation deck. The architecture of the gazebo is interesting: Italian white marble columns with Doric capitals, Moorish-Spanish stucco decorations and Tunisian ceramics.

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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 Tunis is a large bay of the Mediterranean Sea near north coast Africa, washes the territory of Tunisia. On south coast The bay, where the capital of Carthage was previously located, is now the city of Tunis. 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

Tunisian Lake (Arabic: ا ل ب ح ي ر ة, El Bahira) - lagoon nature education, 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.

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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. Animal world 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 Tunisia on our website.

Individual and group

More sights of Tunisia

Tunisia is an ultra-modern metropolis, which is the capital of the state of the same name. The region there was well known to the ancient Romans - after all, they constantly fought with the mighty Carthage.

Today's Tunisia has absorbed four cities and has long since surpassed the millionth mark in population.

There are many attractions in Tunisia, their age is estimated at thousands of years. The concept of “eternity” takes on a sacred meaning here.

This article will help you not to get lost in the lands of the mythical Carthage and highlight the main thing for yourself. And, yes, if anyone doesn’t know, some of the Star Wars episodes were filmed in Tunisia.

Excursions in Tunisia - African magic

Arriving in Tunisia, you will encounter many excursion offers. All of them will look more like an exciting adventure than a dull lecture.

Some of the excursions last half a day, others extend over three days.
Accordingly, the cost also varies.

So what excursions are worth visiting? Consider the most noteworthy destinations.

  • Sidi Bou Said. The journey begins in Tunisia, passes through Carthage and ends in Sidi Bou Said.
    You will:
    • see the incredible Museum of Ancient Mosaics;
    • wander the winding streets of the holy Medina;
    • visit the Roman Baths;
    • see the city of jealous people.

    The price of pleasure is $50.

  • Two days safari. You have to challenge the ominous Sahara Desert, enduring two days in this hellish heat. Together with Russian speaking guide You will board comfortable buses and head off towards the hot southern winds.
    The first day will delight you with the Berber city of Matmata, where you can see underground dwellings - just like on Tatooine.
    In the dunes of Douz you will be allowed to ride camels and watch the desert sunset.
    Next in the program:
    • waterfall,
    • jeep riding,
    • mirages of the salt lake,
    • visit to Muslim Keruan.

    For all this you will have to pay 120 dollars.

  • Uninhabited island of Kuriat. After arriving in Monastir, you board a sailboat and sail to desert island. Then - complete freedom. You can sunbathe, swim, play beach volleyball.
    The price of the excursion includes a sumptuous lunch with:
    • soft drinks,
    • fruits,
    • grilled fish,
    • salads.

    Bonus - the opportunity to hunt sea urchins.

  • Sea cruise. A pirate ship is sailing from Sousse - with you on board. Duration: three hours.
    You will be provided with fishing gear and treated to a delicious meal.
    For this whole thing they will charge 35 dollars.
  • ATV ride. The excursion route is very picturesque:
    • cactus thickets,
    • olive groves,
    • ostrich farms.

    The cost is 35 “green”.

Organized excursions are a good thing. But what should travelers who are accustomed to independently planning their schedule and choosing attractions do? This is the next chapter for them.

Going into the desert unaccompanied is not recommended.

What to visit in Tunisia: top 5

So, what can an independent tourist see: we offer the most unusual places that should be included in the cultural and educational program of a vacation in this mysterious country:

  1. Great Mosque. This religious building, considered the symbol of Tunisia, is more than a thousand years old.
    The Zitouna Mosque is located in the old city (medina). The easiest way to get here is by metro (go to Place de Barcelona or Habib Thameur stations).
    Admission is free, but you will not be allowed into the interior or prayer hall.
  2. Oceanographic Museum of Salambo. In Tunisia this maritime museum enjoys incredible popularity.
    To get here, you need to take the train and go to Carthage Byrsa station. The complex is located in an ancient fort, the loopholes of which were glazed and turned into aquariums.
    The ticket costs 1 TND.
  3. Ruins of Carthage. From school we know about Carthage, founded by the Phoenicians and destroyed by the Romans.
    Today Carthage is a suburb of the capital Tunisia. To get here, you need to take the train and get off at the Tunis-Marin station. Nearest landmark - clock tower, built on Habiba Bourguiba - the central Tunisian street.
  4. Sahara Desert. It is located in the south of the country, and you can enter there completely free of charge. Tourists get to the Sahara by: trains, buses, rented SUVs.

    Among the entertainment:

    • dune safari,
    • camel riding,
    • voyage on a propeller plane.

    The Kairouan Mosque is also worth a visit.

  5. Baths of Antoni Pius. Outside the Roman Empire, these baths were the largest and were part of an elite province. These ruins were once:
    • rest rooms,
    • gymnasiums,
    • huge swimming pools.

    The complex is located in Carthage, on Habib Bourguiba Avenue. The easiest way to get here is by train, landing at Carthage Hannibal station.

    Entrance fee - 2 TND. Another 1 TND will have to be paid for photography.

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Traveling to Spain? You can find out what to see in Madrid in 3 days. In this city, life usually moves slowly, but you will have to hurry.

Transport-lyrical digression

It's worth telling a little about transport communication inside the country. For more efficient inspection memorable places you can use:

  • By train. The best option for a number of reasons, the main ones:
    • convenience,
    • branching,
    • relative cheapness.

    The fare does not exceed 5 TND.

  • Light metro. With its help, you can move not only around Tunisia itself (the city), but also within the Tunis-Carthage-Monastir-Souss-Mahdia link.
    The ticket costs 1 TND.
  • Buses. All are air conditioned and very comfortable.
    Zone type payment.
  • Taxi. This is the most convenient way to move around the city, especially at night. It's important to remember two things:
    • firstly, payment is made according to the meter;
    • secondly, the night rate is more expensive.

What to see with your child

Family tourism in Tunisia is gradually gaining momentum. Advantages of darkness:

  • short flight;
  • visa-free regime;
  • extended sandy beaches with gentle slopes;
  • warm sea;
  • plenty of interesting corners.

What objects of Tunisia will be the most interesting for your child?

  • "Carthage Land". This entertainment center is localized in Yasmine Hammamet and delights little travelers with an abundance of exciting attractions.
    The complex is divided into thematic zones aimed at tourists of all ages. There is a cinema and a small zoo.
    A visit to all zones will cost 33 dinars.
  • Waterpark Flipper. Another attraction of Hammamet. You can get there on foot (or take a taxi), heading north from the city center. The distance is about five kilometers.
    A child ticket costs 10 dinars, an adult ticket costs 15.
    The water park has a variety of slides and pools geared to different ages.
  • Friguia Zoo. 36 hectares of children's joy are located between Hammamet and Sousse, not far from the village of Bouficha.
    The theme is African, all animals are kept in comfortable and spacious enclosures, the conditions are as close as possible to wild nature.
    If a child is under three years old, he will be allowed into the zoo for free. For everyone else, the entrance fee will be 4-7 dinars.
    You can get there by train (Friguia Park station) or taxi. The latter option is preferable, and it is better not to let the taxi driver go, having agreed on a return trip.

Top 3 strange sights

  1. Cave city of Matmata. The original abode of the mysterious Berbers. From the outside it looks like a chain of large holes made in the foothills of the mountains. Some caves have two or three floors.
    For the Berbers, such dwellings are a way of surviving in harsh climatic conditions.
    There are a number of underground hotels in Matmata, but it is better to get here by car or as part of an excursion group.
    You can get there by bus for 24 dinars, but it will be a difficult test for the body.
  2. El Cantui - dancing fountains. Located in Sousse, 200 meters from the port area, surrounded by a park complex.
    The musical water show is extremely popular among tourists and locals.
  3. Cave restaurant. Lunch at this establishment is included in most excursion programs.
    The restaurant is located under the village of El Hayaria, next to the Punic Kerkouan.
    It’s not worth getting there on your own; it’s better to join a one-day excursion and take $40 out of your wallet.

What attractions are worth seeing?

As you can see, the sights of Tunisia are scattered in space, and visiting them will require a significant investment of time. Therefore, it is better to go to the country for a week, or even two. Or join complex excursion programs, covering the most popular places. Then you can do it in 1-2 days.

Most of the noteworthy sites are concentrated in Sousse, Monastir and Hammamet. That's where we'll go now.

Fashionable Sousse - the pearl of the Mediterranean

Some attractions in Sousse are also worth visiting:

  • Catacombs of the Good Shepherd. There were once quarries here, but with the advent of Christianity, the catacombs turned into a cemetery. The tiny area with glass-covered graves is open to the public.
    You can get here by bus, getting off at the Bouhsina stop (the second option is Transport Terrestre). Once you reach the medina, head west through the labyrinth of crooked alleys. Ditch it for about half an hour.
  • Medina. This is the oldest part of Sousse, built more than a thousand years ago. Everything here is imbued with the atmosphere of the fabulous East:
    • crooked streets,
    • ancient buildings,
    • perimeter fortress wall.

    It is worth climbing the walls and admiring the gun towers and guard fortifications made of cut stone.

  • Monastery-fortress Ribat. One of the oldest defense structures in Tunisia. It is part of the fortress complex of the medina.
    Once you climb the Nador Tower, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable view of Sousse.
    Entrance fee - 7 dinars. Plus 1 dinar for photography.
  • Sousse embankment. A great end to a day's excursion. The embankment is famous for its floating fish restaurants, where you can refresh yourself and have a good time.

Memory of ancient Monastir

It is to Monastir that the majority of Russian travelers flock to, who decide to combine sightseeing with beach holiday and health improvement.

There are several interesting places in Monastir:

  • Ribat Hartem. The fortification of the warrior monks, which also serves as a lighthouse. The mausoleum of a warrior monk and the Islamic museum are worth a visit.
    The cost of visiting is 7 dinars (plus a dinar for a photo).
  • Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba. A huge structure with a couple of tall minarets and a golden dome. The walls of the mausoleum are decorated with corals and stone carvings.
    You can visit the mausoleum for free by going to Sidi el Mezri, an ancient cemetery.
  • Museum traditional costume . Here you can get acquainted with the national clothing of Tunisians. The museum is located on the street. Independence.
    Ticket price is 10 dinars.

Since ancient times, Hammamet has been famous for its thermal baths.

Once upon a time, noble Romans recovered their health here, and in later times, famous personalities, among whom it is worth mentioning:

  • Maupassant,
  • Flaubert,
  • Lyudmila Gurchenko,
  • Andrey Voznesensky.

Here's what to look at here:

  • Great Mosque. Hammamet has its own Great Mosque with the Koran and parishioners.
    Only believers can enter the prayer hall; tourists have to view the attraction from afar.
  • Kasbah. This fort-fortress was built by the Spaniards. It is worth looking at the ancient cannons and climbing the watchtower.
    The standard price is 7 dinars.
  • Villa George Sebastian. The building once belonged to the first European to settle in Tunisia.
    Concerts are periodically held in the villa's amphitheater.
    Entrance - 2 dinars.

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A country with a rich history. A lot of amazing evidence of ancient civilizations has survived to this day almost in its original form. Why not get to know the sights of Tunisia better?

Tours to Tunisia

Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with departure from Moscow are given.

Amphitheater in El Jem

The small village of El Jem contains the impressive ruins of the largest Roman amphitheater in North Africa. In addition, this amphitheater is the third largest in the world after Capua and not far from. Built in the 3rd century AD, the amphitheater could accommodate 60,000 spectators. Due to lack of funds and political rivalries, the amphitheater was never completed, but it remains incredibly well preserved to this day. You can climb several floors and explore the entire amphitheater, or stroll through the underground passages where the gladiators waited to enter the arena.

Carthage

Carthage was one of the greatest cities of the ancient world and home to one of the great civilizations. Founded in the 9th century BC. e. by the Phoenicians from Tire in Lebanon, Carthage soon developed into a strong and wealthy empire in North Africa and the Southern Mediterranean. Carthage soon came into conflict with other regional powers, emerging victorious from more than 200 years of war with Greece and being defeated by Rome after the Third Punic War in 146 BC. The main part of the city was destroyed, but a new Carthage was built on the same territory in the 1st century AD. Most of the ruins that remain today are from the Roman period: the Baths of Anthony and the amphitheater.

Baths of Antony near Carthage, Tunisia.

Bardo Museum

Along with the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Bardo is one of the main museums in North Africa. It houses the most famous collection of mosaics in the world. Thousands of objects found in excavations throughout the country during the 19th and 20th centuries are on display. They are divided into departments in fifty rooms and galleries illustrating the various stages of history, from ancient times to the middle of the last century, where prehistory, the Punic period, the Roman and early Christian periods, the Byzantine era, and finally the Islamic period to modern times are presented in chronological order.

You can see here superb armor made of pure gold, jewelry, a famous stele depicting a priest holding a baby for sacrifice, as well as a collection of funerary furniture. The Greek collection contains items from underwater excavations carried out near the city from a ship that sank during a storm around the 1st century BC, carrying furniture and architectural elements from the Hellenistic era. Among the masterpieces are a statue of Hermes, a bust of Aphrodite and giant vases. The Roman period provided Bardo with most of the collection: mosaics, statues, ceramics, jewelry, coins, religious objects, household items and much more. The Islamic department includes objects from various periods, manuscripts, jewelry, stone and wood carvings, and household items. Two small rooms around an elegant patio are furnished with items that once belonged to the reigning family, while the third room contains Jewish religious objects.

Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert covers much of the country's interior, and its most beautiful corner is the sand dune field known as the Grand Erg Orient. For many visitors, this is the place to go for camel trekking or more extreme off-road jeep riding. But beyond that, you'll have great fun just sitting on top of one of these giant sand mountains and watching the sun set. These famous sands were once the backdrop for the famous Star Wars film and have only recently been opened to tourists.

Keirouan

Founded in 670, it became an important strategic point on the main African route across the Sahara and a religious center. The Arabic architecture here is truly inspiring: the skyline is full of minarets and voluminous domes. You will enjoy a walk through the medina with its narrow labyrinth of streets, many alleys, arches and colorful houses.

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

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 that archaeological park you can get an excellent idea of ​​the ancient city: there is an amphitheater, temples of 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.

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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 city And sea ​​port;
  • 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 there is a magnificent view panoramic view to the bay;
  • the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba with a large gilded dome and openwork Moorish galleries;
  • elegant Cathedral St. Vincent de Paul, erected 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 you fascinate your ancient history architectural sights of Tunisia, 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 pleases a small national park Ishkol, 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. What Tunisian traders don’t sell in their shops: from national fez caps to gold jewelry and clothing self made. 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”.