Dougga

The Roman ruins at Dougga are the most spectacular and best-preserved ruins in the country. The commanding location they hold is breathtaking sitting on the edge of the Tebersouk Mountains looking over the wheat-growing valley of Qued Kalled. This site was actually occupied by residents right up to 1950 when it was decided to preserve the ruins and relocate the people. Theirs plenty to see in Dougga the first monument you see is the 3500 seat theatre that is built into the hillside in 188 AD. The theatre was funded by one of Dougga’s wealthy residents. It has been extensively renovated over the years and makes a spectacular setting for floodlit performances of classical drama held between July and August each year.

If you carry on just past the theatre you will see a track if you follow this it will take you to the Temple of Saturn this site was built on top of a previous site to Baal Hammon. Just to the south west of the theatre is a widening street that leads down to the Square of the Winds. Here you can see paving stones laid out in the shape of a compass with a list names in honour of the twelve winds. Another temple can be found bordering the square to the north, the market and capitol lie to the south and west respectively.

The Capitol is a truly remarkable monument and is considered to be one of the finest in Tunisia. The six enormous columns were raised in 166AD and support the portico that stands 8 metres above the ground. The frieze has a carving of Emperor Antonius Pius being carried off in a eagles claws. Inside would have stood an enormous statue of Jupiter but only fragments of this now exist and they are on display in Bardo Museum in Tunis. Close to the capitol stood the wealthy house of Dionysus and Ulysses here they found parts of a fantastic mosaic depicting Ulysses being mesmerised by sirens these fragments are now also on display at Bardo Museum.

Carthage

Although Carthage had such a prominent place in ancient history the ruins that stand today is a bit disappointing due to the Romans demolishing them so well. The other problem for visitors visiting the site is that they are spread over such a large area. There are six main sites to visit the best starting point is Byrsa Hill this dominates the area and gives you a great view from the summit and idea of what the hole area looks like. At the base of Byrsa hill is the Cathedral of St Louis that can be seen from miles around. The cathedral was built by the French in 1890 and is dedicated to the 13th century King who died on the shores of Carthage in 1270 when on an ill-fated crusade. The cathedral had been desecrated and closed far many years it is now open to the public again after restoration work was finished.

The National Museum is tucked away just at the back of the cathedral and this also has been revamped and is well worth a look inside.

The Roman amphitheatre on the West Side of Byrsa is about a fifteen-minute walk away it is said that it was one of the largest theatres in the Roman Empire at one time. Although now its hard to imagine it in its full glory. Most of the large stones were removed and used for other building projects through the centuries. There is a collection of huge cisterns Northeast of the amphitheatre that was the main water supply for Carthage. The Antonine Baths is down at the waterfront and is impressive for the size alone. Just a few blocks south of the baths is an another site that of the Magon Quarter. The site that caused a great deal of excitement when it was first discovered in 1921 is the Sanctuary of Tophet. The Tophet was a sacrificial site and burial ground. Children of Carthaginian Nobles were killed here to appease the deities Baal Hammon and Tanit. The site today however is poor condition and to many years of neglect has left over grown weeds on this once sacrificial site

El-Jem

El-Jem is built on a plateau halfway between Sousse and Sfax some 210 km south of Tunis and can be seen from miles around dominating the area. The well-preserved ancient colosseum is one of the biggest attractions to El-Jem. Its is believed that the colosseum was built around 230 AD it has been used as a defensive position over many years. During those years the colosseum suffered major damage especially in the 17th century.

The troops of Mohammed Bey were ordered to blast holes in the western wall to flush out tribesman who were refusing to pay new taxes. Again in 1850 the wall was damaged during a rebellion. Today the site is part of the UN’s world heritage site and work continues on its preservation. The colosseum had a seating capacity of 30,000 far more than the population of El-Jem at the time and makes it one of Africa’s most important Roman sites.

Climbing up to the top tier gives you a fantastic view of the site, also there is two long underground tunnels you can explore. Animals and gladiators used these passageways on their way to destiny.

Tozeur

The town of Tozeur is one of the most popular tourist stops in Tunisia. Its main attraction is the labyrinthine of the old town as well as a spectacular museum and an enormous palm forest on the edge of town. Also the drive out to Tozeur is a thrilling drive crossing the dry salt marshes.
The city itself was built in the 14th century for the housing of the El- Hadef clan whose wealth had grown considerably from the caravan trade. The maze of narrow alleys and splendid squares and courtyards area real treat to all who visit.

Sousse

This is Tunisia's third largest city, but also a major port for the country. Sousse though is major tourist destination thanks to the Long Beach located at the north end of town. The purpose built enclave of Port el Kantaoui is the main reason for the area rise in tourism.

The town now has a string of fine hotels along its shoreline. Souuse has many fine features for the tourist to visit even the city walls themselves are an impressive sight. Also the Ribat a small square wall built at the end of the 8th century is very impressive with its watchtower and fantastic views. The Sousse Museum situated at the southwestern part of town has some of the finest mosaic collection in Tunisia.

Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said is a lovely little whitewashed village that is set high on cliff above the gulf of Tunis. The village is about six miles Northeast of the capital. This village is a delight to visit with its natural settings and narrow cobbled streets with old stone steps. The white gleaming walls of the village are decorated with ornate curved window grills that are a local trademark.

The windows are painted in a deep blue and the houses have arched doorways leading into beautiful courtyards. Many people comment on the fact that you could be in a Greek village. The town has a small cobbled square were locals and tourist mingle together. Above the village stands the lighthouse built on the site were a 9th century fort stood. The village is not to far of a drive away from small relatively un-crowded beach as well if you need to rest after the vigours of village life.

Cap Bon Peninsula

The Cap Bon Peninsula stretches all the way out to the Mediterranean it is thought that at one time in history it stretched as far as Sicily. About 30,000 years ago it is believed that it linked to Europe but then sank beneath the sea. Now these southeastern beach areas are Tunisia are the main tourist attraction especially around Hammamet and Nabeul. Hammamet is a lively town most of the year during the mid winter tourism drops slightly but its location is a major plus. Located at the northern end of the gulf of Hammamet with its old medina overlooks a great expanse of sandy beach. Hammamet today is major resort offering tourist a wide selection of shops, restaurants, hotels and bars.

Nabeul is different in some ways from Hammamet in that the accommodation is a wider range for the budget traveller. And also offers the best campsite in the whole of Tunisia, Nabeul also has the liveliest market but not for normal tourist merchandise. These two towns are the biggest tourist commercial destinations Tunisia has. But there is still plenty more towns to visit. Kelibia is much less commercialised than the Hammamet and Nabeul. The town’s main source of income is its fishing fleet with a few small sheltered resorts and fine beaches. Kelibia also has a fabulous fort overlooking the harbour. If you travel on past Kelibia you and before El- Haouaria is a relatively unknown and visited Carthaginian site called Kerkouane that was founded in the 6th century. The site was only excavated in 1962 and has some interesting pieces on exhibit. The price piece of the collection is the Princess of Kerkouane’s a wooden sarcophagus cover carved in the shape of the goddess Astarte.

After leaving the sight continue travelling on to El-Haouaria this small town is tucked away under the mountainous tip of cap bon. The town has a couple of lovely beaches especially the one at Ras el-Drek. Most people who visit El-Haouaria are here though to visit the Roman Caves down at the coast they are just 2 miles west of the town. The caves are the result of years of quarrying most of the stones that were used to build Carthage came from here. Research shows that the Romans found the stone at the base of the cliffs to be of the best quaility.