Sidi Bou Said is an enchanting seaside resort along the Carthage Coast so
famous for its unmistakable Tunisian bright colours characterised by the
stunning contrasts of its fascinating white and blue painted houses
overlooking extraordinary golden sandy beach lining turquoise waters.
The typical local Mediterranean
vegetation of that stupendous Maghreb corner completes a fabulous scenery with
scattered green trees on the slopes of light brown heights eternally
illuminated by an always shining sun often highlighted by its vivid orange
tonality and all that is simply stunning and unforgettable.
Situated on a coastline so
famous for its ancient past on which was established one of the most powerful
and historic civilisations of North Africa, legendary stronghold of Hannibal
who challenged the Roman Empire in those long epic and well known Punic Wars
that site boasts a very rich cultural patrimony and with its approximately
5,800 inhabitants is located at just 19, 0 kilometres east from the
Capital of the country Tunis and next to another coastal jewel
called La Marsa.
Highlighted by a fabulous natural
setting among the most captivating and picturesque of the entire territory and
immediately south of the splendid and always sunny Gammarth, Sidi Bou
Said is furthermore so fascinating because it has kept its original
identity and an intact unmistakable charm which delights all the visitors
who fall in love with such divine place at first sight.
Some very popular resorts in Tunisia
such as Hammmet, Djerba (I wrote posts about them if you are interested)
or also Sousse gained in the course of the history of the National
Tourism fame and prestige in the last decades and they are centres which have
developed an intense incoming activity as main resource but almost all their
efforts were largely focused to establish Hotels and accommodations offering
superb facilities and services to satisfy the most high requests and
concentrated to have a notable capacity in terms of beds.
It is not the case of that
magnificent seaside town which never reached the same popularity but it is for
its beauty highly considered and showing with pride a genuine and
true image.
In its boundaries were erected a
limited number of attractive structures but that shining gem also thanks to a
concrete plan of preservation of its environment established a long time ago
has other features equally stunning than its popular and affirmed sisters.
Its name never reached the high
ranking of those most celebrated Tunisian destinations but it was often frequented
in the past by prominent artists who gave it notoriety and also a veiled touch
of glamour although not sophisticated but in its kind pretty marked for the
level of those characters who landed and enjoyed that Mediterranean heaven.
Those iconic figures were Gustave
Flaubert, August Macke, Paul Klee and Louis Mouillet among others.
All they adored that place, it was for them a perfect haven more than
appropriate to create some of their most important works and they discovered
that those magnificent bright colours which every day during their sojourns day
and night were the key of many of their outstanding successes.
In addition those distinguished
artists kept around them reduced intimate circles of friends in an environment
in which the protagonists were not glitzy parties highlighted by the presence
of hundreds and hundreds of people, sumptuous buffets and a vast range of
trendy cocktails but simple chats sitting and enjoying a tea mint delighted by
that scenic natural Eden which encircling them.
Sidi Bou Said was for them the best;
the deepest inspirations came by the view of a blue sky admiring the horizon,
that shining light sandy stretch and those hills burnt by a hot sun in a
peaceful oasis contemplating the sea. Those magic features were the
reasons of their constant trips there, a favourite destination in a Continent
no far from Europe easily accessible crossing a maritime channel and so close
to Malta and Sicily.
The resort is very appropriate for a
lot of kind of tourists, couples looking for romantic holidays and honeymoon
trips, visitors who desire an exotic place in the Mediterranean, enjoying a
beach unique in its kind, comfortable accommodations and also an excellent
gastronomy loyal to old traditions and highlighted by traditional Mediterranean
flavours.
A choice as Sidi Bou Said as destination is also highly recommended for all people who want to discover the genuine charm and appeal of a country as Tunisia which has a lot to offer, not only beach, sunbaths holidays or water sports but it is a destination so ideal to discover also the attractive Maghreb culture which is so rich and full of pleasant surprises.
For those who are interested in
history, art and architecture, the secular history of those sites in an
emblematic gulf is in the air and you will breathe there all that as a sort of
magic aura all around you transmitting the signals of a glorious far past.
The mild climate permits all year
different kind of outdoor activities and naturally many are also the
interesting excursions. The Capital Tunis with its rich historic patrimony and
its proximity is a mandatory highlighted by its Medina and the wonderful
Bardo Museum, the historic ruins of Carthage and Gammarth, all
them are very close but there are so many other places to enjoy in the
immediate vicinity.
That centre also has a long and
captivating history to narrate highly suggestive and more than appealing
starting from its name which was originally Djebel El Menar which
means lighthouse or luminous tower on a mountain and it derives
from a height and a tower.
The first word is taken by Al Djebel
which means hill corresponding to that hilly plateau dominating the local bay
while the second is related to Al Menar linked to a construction
consisting in a watchtower which was established along the coast since
the times of the Almoravid Dynasty.
Those structures were called
Almenaras and they worked as sort of lighthouses in that ancient time with fire
and smoke signals to indicate invasions by sea alerting the population and
later also used to drive the sailing routes of the ships.
The current name Sidi Bou Said pays
homage to an iconic Holy Muslim man called Abou Said Ibn Khalaf Ben
Yahia Tamnimi El Beij, a savior figure who played an important Religious
role in the local community, admired and loved by the inhabitants but also
venerated in many other corners of that North African Nation.
Including the translation of such
denomination is extremely suggestive. That figure was born in a town called
Beja, close the Algerian border and you will notice that in his long
surname are present two words as El Beij which indicate his birthplace
and provenance as usual in the Moorish traditions in those times while Sidi
derives form of lexical abbreviation of Sayidi which translated means my
Lord and Abou corresponds to who is.
Its secular history started as an
ancient Tunisian Berber
settlement, a place which was also visited by the Phoenicians which
already knew all Maghreb coastline and they left the Greeks as
inheritance a sort of maritime logbook made by different codes indicating
cardinal points with the route to follow for an easy access to that coastal
destination landing on a promontory situated in a large gulf situated south
east of Sabkhet Arina a lagoon pretty close to the centre of
Ariana and not far from the outskirts of Tunis.
Historically that geographical point
was pretty impenetrable during the times of the epic Carthage when that ancient
city fortified all that bay from Bizerte in its westernmost point to Al
Huwariya the extreme tip lying in the eastern peninsula on which are
located Nabeul and Kelibia. (I wrote a post about that site if
you are interested)
Some attempts of conquest by Hellenic
colonists settled in Sicily were unsuccessful and unlucky and also the
Roman Empire during the times of the Punic Wars had notable difficulties to
reach that coast.
Those hard operations of landing were
mainly due to the width of such bay in which every attack was immediately
visible at distance and much more once came inside it after a naval clash the
enemy had to face the presence of imposing and high walls elevated by the
Carthaginians on the local heights.
The Romans conquered and destroyed
Carthage in the 146 B.C in the third Punic War after two years of
siege and also the territory corresponding to Sidi Bou Said had the same
destiny.
The current boundaries were occupied
by some legions which controlled with patrols the local coastline until the
hilly headland of Ras Jebel which was a very strategic point to check
all the maritime movements also in the nearest gulf of Bizerte.
The several invasions of North Africa
mainly led by the Vandals were the cause of the capitulation of the Imperial
Rome which lost after that event all its Maghreb territories. Those very
belligerent invaders as you know were not very inclined to develop
structured and defined settlements preferring to all that incursions and raids.
The former village suffered many
assaults by them living constant periods of alert with the population often
escaping in the interior very scared and constantly intimidated by such tense
situation.
The Byzantines, the Roman-Greek of
Constantinople, the current city of Istanbul and former Byzantium founders
of the Roman Empire of Orient conquered that land and they built new
strong defencive walls and watchtowers all along the coasts of Tunisia but the
defeat against the Moorish was the epilogue of the second Roman cycle in
North African lands despite the Arabs conquest was not easy and the attacks
endured a long time with several expeditions.
In the early 8th century the
new rulers once established their influence but they found a hard obstacle
consisting in a strong and tenacious resistance by the local Berbers absolutely
hostiles to be converted to the Islam and that was a stage pretty difficult for
the Caliphs who could not believe to find such obstruction in a conquered area
after years of an endless war ended with successful results against a strong
enemy but facing a new one at home.
An important historic era during the
Arab domination when those problems were already solved including with the advent
of the first local Muslim Dynasties was the great escalation of the powerful Almoravids
who dominated Morocco and largely conquered Spain with the foundation in the
Iberian Peninsula of the famed Caliphates of Al Andalus.
During that period Sidi Bou Said
flourished in trade, there were also first relevant and defined marks in terms
of architecture, a notable organisation of the local agriculture and it was
also arranged a former dock which was integrated in a pretty well developed
maritime network used in commercial operations linking Tunis to all the other
harbours which arouse along that coastline.
Those golden ages ended with the
decline of that influential rulers which despite a glorious past had a
considerable decay due to emergent generations of powerful dynasties as the Almohades
which were able to create a sort of united Maghreb including Morocco,
Algeria and Tunisia in a sort of unique Reign and later with others as the Hafsid
which governed Tunisia until the 16th century.
Part of the causes of that fall was
also due to the several defeats against the Sicilian-Normans of King
Roger II who also conquered Malta, events
which undermined the prestige and fame of those nobles and for the new aspiring
governors they were considered in a veiled way as losers or unable to defend
and expand their domains.
Sidi Bou Said was also attacked by
the Spaniards who settled in that land in a period in which the Spanish Kingdom
was facing the Turks in an unceasing fight across the Mediterranean but the
destiny was favourable to the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish influence
started in 1573 culminated in the following year with the conquests of
the last bastions in the hands of that insidious rival.
The town with those further new
Governors at the beginning was a bit ignored due to the privilege given to
major centres but despite that some years later the Ottomans taking the
advantage of a new era also highlighted by the cooperation of the local Berbers
who recognised a good work for new developments which were highly positive and
thanks also to several large concessions of local power and autonomy delivered
to them on large territorial scale including in small centres as Sidi Bou Said
generated a very prosperous period.
That tolerant relationship brought a
notable growth consisting in constant improvement in terms of urbanisation and
an active trade mainly concentrated on spices and fabric products between North
Africa and the Middle East bringing prosperous businesses.
The establishment of the Husainid
Dynasty in the 18th century was furthermore highly advantageous with
the nomination of a local Bey, figures which have political,
administrative, military and religious powers and despite they had sometimes
problems with the Pashas due to their charismatic profiles they were often
loved by the population for their talented qualities.
Some of them were Levantini, Turkish
citizens but descendants of Venetian and Genoese families established
since the times of the Marine Republics in the former Constantinople and also
keeping the Christian Religion but born and bred in Istanbul and loyal to
old traditions transmitted by the grand fathers many of them were Admirals,
Ambassadors and skilled traders.
In addition they had the advantage to
speak different languages enchanting the people who felt around them sensations
of security and protection in themes linked to Diplomatic issues ensuring a
safe future.
Such presence was for the Ottomans
highly profitable and that Tunisian settlement was also protagonist of an
artistic renaissance when a first luxury building was erected thanks to
Al Husain Ibn Ali founder of that powerful dynasty and in addition
other notable constructions consisting in charming houses and palaces were
elevated embellishing with their presence that centre.
The Turkish era ended when the entire
Tunisia became a French Protectorate in 1881 an since that new
colonisation Sidi Bou Said attracted many artists from France who started to
visit that beautiful seaside town of Maghreb.
The most famous was certainly Gustave
Flaubert notorious writer from Rouen who found in that site a
special source of inspiration returning there in several occasions. The name of
that place thanks to such notable visits by an artist who was well known in the
highest intellectual spheres of that country obviously gained popularity and
also reached Paris focal point of several cultural and artistic movements.
Sidi Bou Said was also highlighted by
a land of a new generation of other renowned characters coming from other
countries especially from Germany and one of them was the famed
Swiss-German Surrealist painter Paul Klee who visited the resort
many times.
That man exiled in Switzerland for
his ideas and a kind of art not very appreciated by the Nazi regime divided
long periods of his life between his beloved Ascona, a charming Swiss
town on Lake Maggiore (I wrote a post about that special place) and North
Africa with that Tunisian marvel as one of his favourite and beloved
destinations.
That acclaimed painter who was a
prominent exponent of different movements such as Expressionism, Bauhaus and
Surrealism was totally conquered by those bright Tunisian colours which
transmitted him endless sources of energy to produce some of his notable
works.
Also August Macke another
genius of the Expressionism, another artistic eminent figure and one of the
leaders of the Der Blaue Reiter movement was also a declared
lover of that Maghreb centre.
Tunisia obtained its Independence in 1956
and the resort also since then continued to be visited by a good number of
people, some of them were fans of those artists but also tourists searching an
oasis of serenity and enjoying a mild climate all year, many sea and beaches
lovers and painters who desired as those superb characters to immortalise all
those magnificent Mediterranean tonalities encircling a spectacular environment.
What is great at first sight is to
notice how that coastal municipality has conserved all its charming integrity
and that is another aspect which captured and captures the attention of many
people.
One of the main local attractions is
the composition of its core, a stunning and picturesque setting made up by
scenic alleys, captivating narrow streets are highlighted by small souvenirs
and handcrafts shops, tiny steps and arcades, white low houses highlighted by
painted doors, shutters and metalwork in blue tonality, flowered balconies and
charming patios.
Every corner conquers everyone with also a scenery characterised by magnificent architectonic details a further feature which makes such place unique in its kind.
You will notice in addition in some places decorative elements such as tiles closely linked to the most divine Mudejar representations of Andalusia and Mirhab, that traditional architectonic niche placed on arched doorways established in direction of the Holy city La Mecca and all together are further magic aesthetic attractions which give the local scenery an enchanting appeal creating a very special atmosphere and obviously inviting every tourist to an exciting visit.
Other gems linked to that kind of architecture which is practically daughter of the pure Arab-Berber style is presence in some constructions of traditional Muquarnas, Sebka and Zellij decorations which are other considerable wonders consecrating Sidi Bou Said as one of the pearls of the Carthage coast.
Breathing that specific enchanting
air all around you will be seduced and with a fervent desire to stroll the
centre of Sidi Bou Said concentrated in a small Moorish labyrinth and all those
images generally remain imprinted in the memories of everyone forever.
The old centre is pretty compact
behind Avenue de l´Environnement the maritime boulevard which
runs along the Mediterranean flanking the harbour.
Rue Du Maroc is another important axis consisting in a long road which leads to Carthage flanking in a point Rue de la République which is a long western avenue marking the limit of the municipal heart continuing towards Parc de Sidi Bou Said, a scenic green lung close to the eastern boundaries of La Marsa.
You can start the visit from the local Mosque which is situated in proximity of the mentioned Rue du Maroc and a street called Rue Habib Tameur. Built under Ottoman rule by Husein El Bey and called Djemaa El Ghofrane, despite an aspect pretty sober, that white building boasts fine and perfect lines and defined spaces in its layout occupied by essential architectonic elements.
Erected on a large rectangular plan
and highlighted by a high light minaret elevated on a square base on which you
will notice in its upper section an additional turret surmounted by a pinnacle.
The sides of the main body present a series of windows characterised by a vivid
blue tonality with hand-forged iron railings and presence of decorations
of Sebka inspirations.
That Temple is also very famous for
pilgrimages of many believers who come to visit the iconic place of which the
beloved figure gave his name and stopping in that Sacred Religious temple to
pray.
Around that street on which lies that
Mosque as many towns in North Africa also the resort has its Souk situated
there. In the past it was the hub of the local social daily life and the
inhabitants used that environment as a most traditional market while today due
to the tourist demand there are more shops than before offering other
interesting articles.
Despite that in such place there are
still sellers who continue generation by generation to offer different kind of
items such as jewelry, ceramic, pottery, essences of jasmine ad orange
handcrafts and you can also find antiques and the famous and appreciated
carpets from the ancient town of Kairouan which are absolute
masterpieces.
In Rue du Mars 1934 close to
that site reachable taking a perpendicular street called Rue Sdi Azizi in
a walk of approximately 150,0 metres you can see Ennejima Ezzaira also called
Palais du Baron D´Erlanger.
It is an attractive long white
two-story building with a stunning portico made by a series of splendid columns
forming scenic arcades and highlighted by that unmistakable bright blue colour
eternally present in the architectonic details of every construction.
Built for desire of the Baron
Rodolphe d'Erlanger, that fabulous mansion takes its name by that man. That
French citizen was apart his noble title a skilled painter and musician, son of
a wealthy German family moved to Boulogne and he played an
important role regarding the architectonic conservation of the resort which
thanks to him is all what you can admire today.
The operations of construction of
that beautiful structure started in the early 20th century, exactly in 1909
and totally completed some years later. Today it hosts one of the most
important Cultural Institutions o Sidi Bou Said, the Centre des Music Arabes
et Mediterranées, a little temple dedicated to the music of North Africa.
Highly captivating is the history of
that French Gentleman who studied in Paris and London and he was
a great lover of Arab and Maghreb cultures and much more a talented man with
solid and ample skills regarding themes closely linked to architecture and
preservation of environments.
Such eclectic figure decided to live
there and he was able during the period of the French Protectorate to
enact a law in 1915 with his name to protect the image of the
town with a plan of very clever preservation.
An official document was edited since
then establishing to defend the aspect of the environment with all the
buildings which had to be painted in a united colour.
That plan established that all the
structures had to be white with an use of a blue tonality for doors
and shutters and specific architectonic details inserted in the front
sides, aisles and rest of the layout leaving some particular Moorish
decorations reflecting the local culture as details corresponding to Mirhab and
arcades among others.
The rest of the buildings and houses
out of that standard and which did not have an identical project had to be built
outside the centre on the promontory and all that is visible today, those
bright colours combined with the natural environment all around are stunning
protagonists so greatly attractive and captivating forming a fabulous setting
delighting every visitor.
Thanks to that the Baron who is a
sort of icon for all what he represented in 1979 the town was declared
with the nearest rests of the ancient Carthage Patrimony Site by
UNESCO, an award more than deserved for that Tunisian beauty.
Very close you can see in the street Rue
Hedi Zarrouk the famous Cafe El Aila also called Kahoua El
Alia but much more identified with its iconic nickname in French language: Cafe
des Nattes.
That establishment is one of the
great highlights of the town and originally it was located next to the Mosque
entrance. During a plan of restoration of the historic core in the 19th
century it moved to the current position and that Cafe is hosted in a
charming white building with a central staircase and an arched doorway
depicting a modern replica of a Mirhab.
On the sides of the main entrance is
arranged an outdoor terrace with tables under a porch roof which covers that
space in case of rain and giving shade in days with high temperatures.
Elevated on two floors in the first you will find tables placed in a
typical Moorish atmosphere with very captivating decorations on the walls and a
large room characterised by scenic painted columns.
The most charming space is certainly
the upper floor in which you can sit on mats and from that the French
denomination Nattes. All that was arranged to offer the maximum comfort and a
true local atmosphere to the customers and with that special air sitting on
those mats enjoying a typical Atay, the traditional mint tea.
That establishment is also the place in which the artists Klee, Macke and others would meet during their stays delighted by those images representing the essence of the real and true Maghreb during their chats or concentrated to look for a new sublime inspiration.
Very close, approximately 200, 0
metres away in a street named Rue Sidi Chabaane leading to the town hill
you can see another famous Cafe with the same name of that artery and
it is another local symbol.
Built in the 60s it is also
called Cafe des Terrasses for the presence of a large terrace with a
splendid view overlooking the port, the Gulf of Tunis and with a superb
panorama of the coastline towards Carthage.
Since its inception it became a
favourite meeting point of many French tourists and it is considered one of the
most panoramic view points of the entire resort. Apart those two denominations
it is also called Cafe des Delices and it is a very captivating place
also for its architectonic aspect characterised by a white structure with a
scenic dome in a corner above low walled sections.
Not far you can you reach Maison
Dar El Hannabi which is another iconic emblem of the resort. It is a
marvellous huge house erected in the 18th century and former home of the
noble El Annabi.
That majestic and stylish white
building boasting beautiful artistic elements in its layout and painted in a
blue tonality shows in its interior the luxury of how was the residence of the
former Mufti.
That figure was an eminent Muslim
personality during the Ottoman Empire, one of the most prominent local figures
with high political role in decisions and in addition including very active
regarding relevant Religious issues.
That large building approximately has
over 40 rooms but you can visit just some of them. That superb palace is
arranged as a museum in which you can admire several objects such as fine
carpets, stylish furniture and old books. Walls and floors are decorated with Azulejos
Mudejar the mentioned Moorish Andalusian tiles and providing a spacious areas
representing in all its essence a traditional Moorish courtyard.
In many details all is linked to deep
concepts of architecture in the execution of lines and spaces reminiscent the
classical patios developed during the times of the Kingdom of the Dynasty
Nasrid in Granada and visiting that splendid site you will how those
accentuated bright colours are protagonists once again.
The Municipality also hosts some art
galleries in its streets such as Galerie Cherif de Belles Artes, Le
Musée Municipal and Galerie Ammar Farhat the latter dedicated
to the painter with the same name.
Those exhibitions are the result of a
Tunisian painting school with artists who started to found inspirations in the
local municipal setting during the times of the frequent visits of Paul Klee
who transmitted them passion for art. All that was a sort of great starting
because thanks to the presence of famed painters as the German born a notable
group of talented painters who created L´Ecole de Tunis, the
School of Tunis.
That artistic movement includes
distinguished characters well known in all Maghreb such as Ibrahim Dharak
and Ammar Farhat among others. The Tunisian painting had a great success
reaching soon fame in all the country, those renowned galleries are the result
of all that and Sidi Bou Said could be considered a sort of icon because it is
the cradle of that inspiration.
Korsi Essolah is another
site considered as sacred despite it disappeared. It is the place in which the
Holy Sidi Bou Said started to practise the mystical Sufi. To have
an idea of its former location and in which point it was historically situated,
it was located along a step linking the town to the port crossing the hill and
it is that space from which nowadays you can admire beautiful panoramic views
over the harbour and the beach ascending to the local height.
That specific area is linked to that
emblematic character has a very captivating history to narrate. That venerated
man came to the town in the 12th century from the city of Tunis in which
he preached in the streets of the Medina and the Kasbah of the major centre of
the country.
In a sort of accomplished mission in
that city he decided to move in a more peaceful place to meditate and
continuing his spiritual life. He chose to establish his residence in Djemel El
Menar, former denomination of the current resort.
He decided to live on the top of the
village in proximity of an ancient Ribat, a local fort of Byzantine
origin and he built a sanctuary starting to practise the Tasawwuf. It is
a particular mystical Islam focused and direct to a deep knowledge of
God using the chronological historic stages and all the links of the Holy
Quran, the sacred Muslim scriptures following step by step all what the prophet
Mohamed made during his life.
The people and in particular the
local sailors and later from all that Tunisian territory called him the
Master of the Sea because apart to be admired and respected as an idol from
that hill he could have maritime views on the large Gulf of Tunis living in
such isolate site and all that created the myth of such nickname.
During their trips across the
Mediterranean in proximity of the Cape of Carthage, the fishermen wanted to
receive the blessing by him who saw them every day sailing from the
harbour.
Stories or legends, narrations,
realities or suggestive creations depicting special powers or mythical events those
men receiving signals of protection by that famous holy man despite some
cases of adverse climatic conditions due to the strong Sirocco wind with an
almost impossible navigation they could always take the right routes sailing
and returning home also during a terrible storm.
Sidi Abou Said died in that place and
the inhabitants of the village to thank him for all what he represented for the
local community decided to elevate in his honour a Zaouia, a sort of
Sacred tomb consisting in a small construction built in 1231 in
which he was buried.
The Phare Ras Qatarjaman
situated in Avenue Taleb Mehiri outside the centre is the local
lighthouse and currently for its strategic position it is one of the most
important along the Tunisian coastline to indicate the right route to boats and
ships direct to La Goulette, the port of Tunis and to the bay of
Carthage.
Its position is simply superb, with an ample a spectacular view point over the entire bay and surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation.
The Marina is a very pleasant
place, ideal to have a relaxing walk, a very lively place at evening with its
bars, restaurants and cafes, local and usual meeting point for many tourists
admiring the scenic coast and ideal for pleasant and relaxing walks.
The local beach despite it is not
very long it is very appreciated for its quality of soft sand and for its
location and it is absolutely a great spot for the beauty of the Tunisian
coasts, an incentive for sunny holidays in an unforgettable place.
A constant Blue flag, well maintained, good services and easy accessible and close to the centre are other of its main qualities and along it the visitors can enjoy different activities such as sailing, surfing and swimming.
Just some minutes from there you can
reach the outstanding beach of La Marsa, a fabulous long light sandy stretch
very suggested for its magnificent turquoise waters and the unforgettable
panoramic views it offers.
Great is also a visit the bay of
Ghar Al Mihl and continuing towards north visiting the previously mentioned
Bizerte with its wonderful coastline and nearest lake.
Highly scenic for its picturesque
views is also Qurbus located on the other side of the gulf admiring from
that point another perspective of La Goulette, the charming Tunis
harbour and you can also have a magnificent panoramic view of Sidi Bou
Said with a stunning image of its hilly promontory.
The local cuisine is typically linked
to fresh sea products, you can taste excellent fish and seafood and
obviously the traditional plates of Maghreb related to the most classical
gastronomy such as the delicious Couscous, Tajine and Merguez among
others.
Of excellent quality and pretty
recommended are tuna and anchovies of a supreme quality next to
an ample variety of mixed salads, flavoured by an excellent olive oil and
spices.
Another famous plate which reflects
the seafaring local spirit is the poisson complet, the entire fish is
fried or grilled and served with grilled vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes,
slices of onion, minced garlic to flavour all and to end the operations adding
lemon, salt and parsley.
The typical Brik is another
culinary highlight, a kind of pastry filled by onion, tuna, pepper, salt parsley
and you will find a similar variant called Malsouka which contains
anchovies, slices of cheese, pepper and capers. Depending of the area you are
it can also contains lamb and beef combined with different kind of vegetables.
The famed spicy Harissa is a
distinctive sauce which is often present to flavour many recipes. Of good
quality are olives with a pretty strong flavour and you will also enjoy an
excellent variety of citrons.
The resort is well connected by the TGM
railway line to Tunis and La Marsa and that mean of transport is a great
chance to visit other places as alternative of a rent a car in the case you do
not want to drive.
Tunis-Carthage International Airport is situated just 18, 0 kilometres away and if you are planning a
Fly & Drive in approximately 20 minutes driving along the N9 national
road via Sidi Daoud you will be at destination.
Sidi Bou Said is a place very
indicated for whom is curious to see a site which conquered the preferences of
renowned artist and for who is working in a Tour Operator or in a Specialised
Outgoing Organisation a great Educational is greatly suggested. It is an
outstanding choice to learn how from there it is possible to create an ample
fan of proposals with many open doors for a large set of products including
that one coast-desert in the interior and much more.
That coastal marvel has unique
attractions and the Carthage coast is always delighted during all year by those
incomparable bright Tunisian colours, something of extremely wonderful in its
kind. It will be magic for you to live a stay in a very relaxing atmosphere
contemplating scenery which inspired and enchanted Flaubert, Klee and Macke and
one thing is certain that it will bewitch you of course.
Francesco
Mari
Recommended
Accommodations in Sidi Bou Said
Hotel Dar Said
La Villa Bleue
Hotel Dar Fatma
Recommended Restaurants in Sidi Bou Said
Restaurant Au Bon Vieux Temps
Restaurant Dar Zarrouk
Useful links
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Thanks a lot to read and note.