Tunis is definitely a splendid city,the capital of Tunisia combines harmoniously the past with the present and one of its great attractions is the presence of splendid vivid Maghreb lights made by the warm sun which reflects on its gardens and monuments in a spectacular Medina,the old city centre which has a lot to show,say and narrate to every visitor.
Located at the bottom of the Gulf of the same name "Lac de Tunis",Tunis is the major centre of the country,it has a population of over one million inhabitants and it is the diplomatic,political,cultural,commercial and administrative capital of that Maghreb Republic.
As one of the centres of commercial and financial influence over the economy in entire North Africa,Tunis appears as a cosmopolitan and modern city the modern is perfectly mixed with the old,the typical Moorish architecture embraces traditional French boulevards developed during the times of the Protectorate.
All that makes Tunis a perfect model of urban civilisation which reflects a great fusion of the contemporary world and the traditional Arab world.
Founded more than 2,000 years B.C. by Cretan sailors,the former settlement was destroyed like Carthage,in the year 146 BC, but the Roman and Byzantine rules with their trades made it bloom again in the year 1160 and the current city became the capital of the country under rule of Almohad Ibn Ali Abde Mumen.
Historical records already present in the time of Carthage say the ancient name of the city was Tynes and populated by the most ancient one of the most populations many centuries ago,the Phoenicians.
Originally the former Tunis after that important settlers who abandoned that former centre was a modest and humble village which lived in the shadow of the mighty Carthage located at just few kilometres.
Its population was made up of artisans,farmers and fishermen ans In light of that huge Punic centre it had a very modest size and during all the periods of the history and at at the beginning and later through the Roman colonisation the village of Tunis follows the ups and downs of the country's history.
The current Capital of Tunisia has managed to survive during the Roman and other invasions during its long history keeping its suburbs with the traditional white houses surrounded by pleasant gardens totally intact including the ancient ruins of the great Phoenician city are today pretty well preserved.
Historically he lack of interest of the Romans to the area after the final Roman Empire conquest did not give a particular importance to the former Tynes and the true development of the city took place only after the advent of Muslim rule,which makes today a city with a very Moorish aspect with almost no trace of the Roman and Byzantine periods.
The visit of Tunis is like enjoying a roller coaster,scent and sensations which make the visitor living a fascinating experience in the chaotic maelstrom of people with different smells of spices and perfumes,the busy and colourful Souks and the wonderful presence of the historic monuments which surround the old city, the Medina.
The reality of Tunis is just like the rest of Maghreb,the art to live with many young people for a few dinars offering the services as tourist guides or expert of Arab history,the pressures of the merchants who are not satisfied with a no thanks in a Souk,the research of new businesses,elegant boulevards and narrow street generally very busy and animated,majestic palaces and small humble houses..That is Tunis in all its essence.
The city is mainly divided into three parts.The new area is in which were developed luxury Hotels,elegant shops and beautiful mansions,the periphery which is nothing but the paradox of the modern that is a real slum,a place where it collects poverty in Tunisia and it is not advisable to go into for your safety and finally the centre of the ancient splendid Medina.
As in most major cities of Maghreb,the most important places of interest are concentrated in the old city the so called Medina, word which defines the centre of social life,a place in which all is fast but at the same time calm and relaxing in a short distance.
However,the modern city of Tunis has its axis on Avenue Bourguiba that long boulevard which is a very good place to start the visit discovering the present and the the past in a while.
Along that Boulevard flanked by ficus woodland you will notice the main buildings and the most chic boutiques,restaurants,cafes, shops,embassies,banks and hotels.The architectonic style is reminiscent of the last century influenced by French culture including in the urban organisation.
Avenue Bourguiba is the Tunis gateway to discover immediately the rhythms,the vivid Maghreb lights and the colours of the city, you will see there merchants of jasmine,dates,lemons peanuts and almonds,the comings and going of people taken from their activities.
That urban scene continues with Tunisian women listening classical Arabic melodies that spread throughout the city and a big number of curious and young people asking you if you need something as a visit to Carthage or a guided service to the Bardo Museum and Tunis is simply all that,a spectacular mix of many things in a city.
The area includes the Eglise de Saint Vincent de Paul,a Church dated the year 1882,erected in Neo- Byzantine style and the Tour D´Afrique the Tower of Africa from which you can enjoy excellent views of the city.
That huge boulevard runs the entire city embracing another important artery called Ghalla Goudouk on which you can meet the fish and vegetables markets always very busy and packed of vendors and women doing shopping.
The nearest Place de l'Independence is a square which is the right place to enjoy a typical Atay,the traditional mint tea,in one of its several cafes-bars.After the Medina,that area is the most ancient and interesting part of the city dating back from the time of the Hafsids Dynasty present in Tunis since the 8th century.
Due to projects of urban reforms in the year 1950 was necessary to demolish part of the ancient walls as the growth of modern Tunis,although it remains one of the most attractive places in the city.
Walking through Avenue 7 Novembre (November 7th Avenue) and after Place de la Victoire (Victory Square),you will reach in a short time Porte de France (the gate of France) which was originally one of the ancient gates of the wall of the Medina.
Immediately,crossing that gate,you will be inside Tunis-Medina a complex of narrow streets,alleys and little squares,white houses with blue and green doors windows some with sebka decorations and small buildings mainly dated 18th and 19th century and worth a mention that the Medina of Tunis is one of the best preserved of the entire country and probably of all Maghreb.
All there is very special and spectacular with an intense and vivid quantity of Maghreb lights made by the reflects of the sun falling on its magnificent buildings,secular Mosques and coloured Souks.
Hidden in the heart of the modern city,that urban area does not seem affected by the arrival of the modern era and its social structure remains anchored to that of the 18th century when it reached its peak in terms of development.
It represents a model almost perfect in Maghreb probably one of the masterpieces of urban civilisation in the entire North Africa and furthermore the UNESCO declared it Cultural Patrimony Heritage Site.
About 30 centuries ago Hasan Ibn Noonan conqueror of the Byzantine Carthage decided to celebrate his victory and he built a Mosque on the grounds of a market in a place in which the main roads converged plying the Roman Africa as a cornerstone of a new city.
Following the Arab tradition, the Medina is an enclosed area surrounded by walls which communicate with the outside through doors and in which the city is hosts houses,palaces,cemeteries,hammam,Mosques, mausoleums,baths,schools and Souks, places separated by guilds of artisans,squares and gardens.
All that takes place in a narrow frame of constructions assembled in clusters which cover a dense network of streets and alleys in obedience to the rule to preserve the Haram the intimate space in strictly commercial areas.
The famous street Jaama Zitouna leads to the famous National Library located in an old Turkish barracks built in 1813 by Hammouda Bey well known as Hammouda Pacha Bey the second Bey of Tunis of the famous Mouradite Dynasty.
The first commercial district grew up there in that area around Jamaa Ez-Zitouna Mosque, forming a quadrilateral in which you can see booksellers, perfumers,silk artisans,manufacturers or hats,tailors, embroiderers,jewellers, spice merchants while the more noisy and polluting offices moved to the periphery of Tunis.
Today everything is practically the same although the street Jamaa Zitouna has been mainly reserved for products intended only for for tourists.
The famous and traditional Souks open-air marketplaces most curious are the Souk El Attarine well known as the Perfume Souk developed in the 13th century by Abu Zakariya situated along the northern facade of the Mosque.
That Muslim Religious called Jamaa Al Ez Zitouna is a splendid construction decorated with green and gold charming details,notable are the fine architectonic lines you can admire in all its splendour.
It is also known as the Mosque of the Olive.Built in the year 732 by the Umayyads Dynasty almost with the birth of the city it was entirely rebuilt under Alghlabíes rule in 864.
That Mosque remains the largest and most revered shrine in Tunisia and the building you can see today is a fascinating mixture of styles of different periods with stupendous columns with fine capitals from the ancient Carthage,Ottoman minaret domes through Zirid and some remote Byzantine details but all that was harmoniously well combined as an almost perfect mosaic.
That Sacred Temple consists of 15 stunning ships,184 columns,most coming from of the archaeological ruins of the historic Punic Capital all that offers a curious contrast for the different periods of those details.
Another special higlight is a splendid and scenic dome above the Mihrab,that niche placed in a position indicating the view way is La Mecca (The Holy Muslim City in Saudi Arabia), to which must rest during prayer and an an imposing minaret 44 metres high erected in the year 1894.
In its designs that Sacred construction combines the most traditional Arab decorations and Greek Corinthian columns giving the area a peaceful atmosphere of meditation the Mosque is still used for worship and open only in the inner courtyard.
An interesting perspective can be enjoyed from the top,climbing on the roof of one of the many bazaars which surround it.Sometimes climbing is not easy if you do not know the area or you are without a tourist guide but generally you always find a vendor or merchant helping you suggesting in change of a tip the best best place to have an unforgettable view.
Around that attraction of the city,there are some souks,one with the same name is immediately close to the Mosque in which you can find sellers of powder,perfumes,scented candles and Tfal typical Arab shampoos,different scents of incense,essence of jasmine and orange blossom.
You can find there many other products which are spread throughout the market giving it a unique character and a mixture of exotic aromas,flavors and smells and it is certainly one of the most attractive Souk.
Another pretty interesting is the Souk El Kumach which is located on the west side of the Mosque and it is the Souk of the drapers.Dated the 15th century,there you can buy all kinds of clothes from different part of Tunisia.
Traditional products are the typical Mellias,typical Berber women suits or the traditional clothes Yebbas for men.
The Souk El Birka situated on the south side of the Mosque is the Souk of the jewellers and goldsmiths working gold and silver.Originally it was a slave market and currently can be purchased beautiful jewelry and gemstones in rooms covered with red and green columns.
Naturally if you are interested to buy something it is a good opportunity try to buy something of interesting at a very good price.
Near to Jamaa Al Ez Zitouna Mosque lies another one.It is the Mosque Sidi Youssef and in that case architectonic influence is totally Turkish-Ottoman.
Built by the Turks in the 17th century as a symbol of greatness and power,it is dominated by an octagonal Minaret decorated with green tiles highlighted on a porch with columns of different colours.The Mausoleum of the founder is connected to the Minaret by a gallery.
Next to the Mosque is situated the Hanafi Medersa a Muslim School built in the year 1622 pretty similar for artistic canons and architectonic lines to the Medersas of Granada in Spain and Fez in Morocco.
A few metres from the Great Mosque,there is another one called Jamaa Hammouda Pacha built in 1655.
That building is a very peculiar Mosque,its slender octagonal minaret has decoration of Italian influence and Greek columns,striking green glazed tiles of its roof and a polychrome marble door.The central courtyard houses the Mausoleum with the remains of the revered Mausoleum of Hammouda Bey Pacha.
North to the Medina there is another Mosque named JammaSidi Mahrez erected in the year 1692, which differs from the others by a very strong Turkish influence.
Built in part by Mohammad Bey, the Hall of Prayer has a hemispherical dome-style Mosques you can often see in Istanbul,Ankara or Izmir whose walls are adorned with stucco and ceramic.
The Mosque also holds a Zaouia a tomb of a holy man of the city of the 10th century,the Zaouia is beautifully decorated with blue stucco
.In that area there are also some important Medersas (the Muslim Schools) forming a sort of network as the Medersa Achuria very charming for its wide and elegant porch.
Tthe Medersa Bachiya, built in 1756 by Ali Pasha which communicates with the Medersa Shmaniya a beautiful complex of Moorish columns forming a beautiful porch built in Honor of Al Suleiman and also connected to the Medersa Nalha popularly known as the palm tree Medersa.
Next to the Othmana Azziza Hospital you can admire the imposing Palace of Dar el Bey a majestic 18th century palace which houses the Prime Minister's residence and the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
That building was erected during Hammouda Bey rule and as other local buildings also it has a very relevant architectonic Ottoman influence.
Boulevard Menara is a modern avenue with a very strong French influence and by Bab Menara one of the ancient city gates you can reach the Jamaa Kasbah a Mosque built in the 13th century by Abu Zakariya.I
ts Minaret has a strong Moroccan Almoravis influence very similar to some sacred buildings you can see in Meknes,Fez or Marrakech and geometric Middle East reliefs.That Mosque over time has maintained some of their traditions to announce the prayer five times a day waving a white flag.
Very close to the Mosque it is very interesting is the visit of the Museum of Sidi Bou Krissan an exhibition in which you can admire trails and tombstones from the late 9th century located in a garden among which the tombs of the Kings Khorassaníes.
Crossing the garden a narrow street leads to Jamaa Ksar Mosque dated the year1106.That Religious construction has simple lines highlighted in the facade with arches which were drawn by the Master Ben Ahmed Khorassen with a prominent minaret,geometric marble and enamel
It is a Religious Temple typically of Moorish-Andalusian inspiration with many things in common with the Minarets of Marrakech and the Giralda of Seville in Andalusia and it was erected in the year 1650 while the Hall of Prayer consists in courtyard surrounded by a complex of Byzantine and Roman columns.
Very close to that Mosque there is Dar Hussein an ancient house built in the 12th century later restored in the 19th century. Although you can not visit the interior of the Mosque sometimes,the custodian permits you to watch the first courtyard of the building.A space currently hosts in a space the National Institute of Archaeology and Art.
Moving towards south you can admire the largest mausoleum of Tunis called Tourbet El Bey.Built in the 18th century,it was the house of the Huseinitas Princes Dynasty and and their families. Its facade is decorated with pilasters although the most prominent architectonic features are the Italian-inspired domes.
The nearest Palace Dar Ben Abdallah erected in the 18th century is undoubtedly one of the most ostentatious of the city with a strong Italian style and today it houses the Museum of Arts and Crafts in which you can admire various objects of traditional culture of the last century,family life-size traditional wedding suits and dresses and much more.
Another building of interest is Dar Othman erected in the 16th century, with a splendid facade flanked by two imposing marble columns,one of its highlight is the geometric decoration in white and black being extremely attractive.In the past it was a private house and military store known popularly as Dar el Aoula.
As a last place of interest in the centre of the Medina stop at the Dyers Mosque.Built in the year 1726,it is notable for its decorations of the beautiful octagonal Minaret.A curious remark is that the tiles of the Hall of Prayer were brought especially from Turkey in the 18th and 19th century.
Around The Medina is situated the Mosque of Youssef Taba Shaib dating back the 19th century and a replica of the Mosque of Youssef Bey but different for the use of Italian decorations made by materials imported from Italy and its Minaret is unfinished.
Also worth visiting the Mausoleum of Sidi Kassem dated the 15th century with highlight a splendid green roof and it houses an excellent museum displaying pottery of relevant value.
The small Assar Souk worth to be mentioned for its colourful aspect despite its limited size.Arranged in a captivating square surrounded by cafes and a lively atmosphere and without doubt it has a certain charm.
A little bit away from that area you can admire an impressive Kubba,a 17th century pavilion crowned with a dome decorated with splendid tiles and stucco.
Zaouia Aziza is another building worth to be admired.It is the tomb in honour of the Ottoman Princess Aziza,its architectonic design shows a simple structure,which holds the remains of the Princess Fatima very popular for being loving and charitable and Sidi Abdelkader Zauia built between 1846 and 1850 with the tomb of a very esteemed person by the inhabitants of the city.
La Goulette is the famous port of the city in which you can see some remnants of the Spanish and Turkish domination and one of the most popular with city dwellers to escape there in summer to its refreshing Spa.
La Goulette situated at approximately 10,0 kilometres from the city centre never lost its charm,during the period of the French Protectorate it was one of the favourite places of French aristocratic social class to have a pleasant walk at sunset frequenting cosy cafes.
The presence of the beautiful and scenic Fortress with the charming and captivating at evening continues to give that place something of special in its atmosphere and today it continues to be an important meeting point for locals and tourists.
Belvedere Park is one of the most beautiful green oasis in the city and it is an ideal place to enjoy a walk through olive groves,fig trees,mimosas,palm trees,eucalyptus and various plants,enjoying a beautiful view of the city
In the East side of the park you can reach the Museum of Modern Art in the case you are interested to admire some temporary exhibitions of contemporary art many of them very interesting.
Do not miss when you are in Tunis a visit to the Musée National du Bardo (National Museum of Bardo).That museum is located just 6,0 kilometres from the centre of Tunis.
That exhibition is housed in a 19th century palace with beautiful gardens and it offers numerous rooms which exhibit great and stunning works.
It is definitely one of the largest museums of Maghreb which includes relevant mosaics among the most beautiful and valuable in the world.A walk in its halls is a journey through the history of Tunis with its relevant past and important civilisations which left unforgettable marks in that country.
Very Relevant is the room devoted to the Punic period,exhibiting jewelry,coffins,instruments of war,statues and a big variety of ancient objects.
The Roman and Byzantine period rooms accommodate sculptures, floors, statues,bronzes and fine mosaics of the time performed on African soil and surpassing in beauty and colour to the Romans themselves as the Triumph of Neptune or the Mosaic the Lord Julius.
The Arab-Muslim period is represented by a wide collection of terracotta,glass,tiles,geometric decorations, bronzes,ceramics and utensils
.Also important is the Greek section displaying bronzes and statues collected in a shipwreck and dating back the 1st century BC. You can not leave Tunisia without having made an important visit to the most important Museum of the entire Maghreb and the best in the world for its collection of Roman mosaics.
After visiting that magnificent museum, you can take the opportunity to visit Carthage with its famous archaeological site.
As you know Carthage was razed by the Romans and the baths are in fact built by the conquerors.That name recalls ancient battles and leaders,the endless rivalry between Rome and the Punic city is one of the most exciting chapters of the Roman history in epic battles and wars in the Mediterranean between two continents Europe and Africa.
Today nothing remains of the ancient Carthage and the third Punic War in the 146 BC that powerful settlement was almost completely destroyed and little remains even of the reconstruction ordered by the Romans in the Christian era.
In a charming setting for the strategic position of the seaside town you can see and recognise the foundations of the baths of Antoninus,the Roman amphitheatre and the theatre,up the hill of Byrsa,
Immediately behind the archaeological area it is possible to observe from the site and noted that no two natural creeks not far from the Spa.Those two creeks are what remains of the ancient port of Carthage, a commercial,the other military symbols of the great Punic naval force which, until the advent of the Roman fleet did not have to worry worthy rival in the Mediterranean.
Being one of the largest city in Africa closest to Europe some buildings were influenced by the other continent as well as lifestyle.
These are the leisure activities that primarily reflect this influence,places to relax no shortage throughout the city such as cinemas,shopping areas,gyms, tennis courts and golf.
Tunisian night life is booming with its clubs,cabarets and all kinds of concerts singing and classical music or lovers of water sports from La Goulette to Raoued with some the most beautiful city beaches which stretch for some kilometres with the presence of the Oceanographic museum and the iconic fortress as a shining highlight.
As all Mediterranean countries,including the Tunisian cuisine relies heavily on olive oil, spices and tomatoes,as well as fishery products with a large assortment of fish and seafood.
Tunisian gastronomy draws inspiration from various sources,including the BerberArab, Turkish and also Italian
As you can well understand the local culinary art is linked to the cultures which once settled in the country and local agriculture producing wheat for bread and durum wheat pasta,olive oil and sheep meat in particular are among the most used products in the local cuisine while fruits vegetables and fish are found mostly along the coast.
One of the most traditional plate as in all the Maghreb is the famous Couscous.That speciality is largely characterised by a combination of vegetables,such as potatoes,celery,tomatoes,carrots,pumpkin and from the semolina grains of Couscous or steamed.using meat,particularly lamb and in some coastal area fish.
The Harissa is a Tunisian sauce typically made with basil,chilli, fresh garlic and olive oil which accompanies several specialities,including simply as sauce on toasted bread.
There are several varieties of bread in Tunisia, the most common is called Italian Bread (white bread). The south of Tunisia has a very rustic type,baked in the ovens of earth and sand.
Bread is a food highly valued by Tunisians the tuna sandwiches, made from half a baguette with Harissa stuffed with tuna and sometimes green or black olives,capers and sliced,or hard-boiled eggs.
Do not miss to taste the Brik a thin pancake filled with eggs,tuna, potatoes or meat and cheese folded and fried in hot oil or the tastefully Méchouia a salad made with tomatoes,peppers,grilled onions,peeled and seasoned with garlic,cumin coriander powder,olive oil and lemon.
Tunis seaport and airport are modern,the passenger port and trade of Tunis has been moved from Tunis to La Goulette while the old Airport of El Aouina was replaced by the International Airport of Tunis-Carthage a few kilometres from the city centre.
In Tunis there is a multitude of taxis (yellow) and trams which cross the city to visit the suburbs you can use taxis,train that leaves from downtown and the TGM commuter train makes the journey between Tunis and La Marsa via La Goulette.
For longer distances you can travel by train,bus or taxi hire, minibus (white) to 7 passengers who leaves when all seats are occupied.
Tunis is one of the beauty of Maghreb,its history,monuments and flavours are magic and all to enjoy,simply a walk in its spectacular Medina any time with those unforgettable vivid Maghreb lights and the magic sunsets at La Goulette are something special which deserve to be seen and including a visit to the emblematic and
magnificent Bardo Museum
Admiring the beautiful coastline of that city furthermore will be a splendid souvenir delighting your best memories after a trip with the chance to know a captivating land of North Africa so close to Europe called Tunisia and its shining Capital.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Hotels in Tunis
Sheraton Tunis Hotel & Towers
Hotel Ramada Plaza Tunis
Hotel Diplomat
Tunis Grand Hotel
Hotel Les Berges Du Lac
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