Sightseeing in Tunisia is an important part of traveling in this country. Although most tourists come here hoping for beach vacations and thalassotherapy, the amazing history of Tunisia, preserved in ancient buildings and ancient ruins, invariably attracts attention.
The names of some sights of Tunisia, such as Carthage, are known all over the world. And besides the ruins of the ancient city-state, there are many Roman ruins in Tunisia. Although the main attraction of Tunisia should be called the Sahara Desert, whose sands occupy a third of the country. Traveling to the Sahara will allow you to get acquainted with this amazing territory, to see how different and beautiful the desert can be.
And, of course, being in Tunisia, it is impossible not to get acquainted with the ancient medinas of Sousse, Tunis and other cities of the country. Ancient mosques and palaces, fortresses and forts will give you an opportunity to get to know a completely different Tunisia, different from the modern resort and tourist one.
When they talk about what sights can be found in Tunisia, often remember the famous "Star Wars", many episodes of which were filmed here. Tunisia gave George Lucas's universe the planet Tatooine with all its sands and caves.
Sightseeing descriptions of Tunisia
Takrouna. This small village is located at an altitude of two hundred meters on a flat plateau in the middle part of Tunisia. Before, it was a haven for pirates and was home to Berber tribes. But now there are only five families left of the whole village. The locals have turned the village into a tourist destination, opening a café, the Blue Rock Museum and a souvenir store.
Pupput Ruins. The remains of an ancient Roman city are located within Hammamet, and can be visited when not on the beach or in thalassotherapy. It is a museum complex, entrance to which will cost you 5 TND. It works in winter time from 9:00 to 17:00, and in warm time the working day is extended to 19:00. The break is from 13:00 to 16:00.
Hammamet Fort. The history of this fort, towering in the center of the city's medina, dates back to the 10th century AD. Later on, the fort served as a defensive structure against sea raids. Now the fort is a historical monument. From April to September the fort is open to visitors from 8:00 to 20:00, and from September to March - from 8:30 to 18:00. A visit to the fort will cost you 7 TND, and you will have to pay one more TND for photo opportunities. While reaching the fort, you can also explore the city's medina itself, which is also quite interesting.
Sinagoga La Griba. The oldest synagogue in North Africa is located on the island of Djerba in the village of Hara Segira. The synagogue was built in the VI century. It looks rather unassuming, but it is here that one of the oldest copies of the Torah is kept.
Carthage. The ruins of the ancient city, Rome's eternal rival, are located near the capital of Tunisia. You can get there by commuter train and explore the remains of buildings of bygone eras at your leisure. Carthage is a UNESCO heritage site.
Bardo Museum. The country's central museum, located in the city of Tunis, houses works of art that have survived since Roman times. There are many statues, mosaics, amphorae and other valuables of those times. You can visit the museum from May 1 to September 30 from 9:00 to 17:00, and from October 1 to April 30 - from 9:30 to 17:30. You will have to pay 11 TND for admission. Children under 12 years old can admire the treasures of ancient Rome for free.
Shott el Jerid Lake. The magnificent salt lake, lying near Touazer, is considered one of the most striking sights of Tunisia. The mirror-like flat surface of the lake is covered with a thin salt crust almost all year round. It is a spectacle that captivates with its strangeness and amazing beauty.
Ishkel National Park The park sprawls over 12,000 hectares of dense deciduous forest. The forest partially occupies the slopes of Mount Ishkel. But the most important object of the park is the freshwater lake Ishkel, which regularly gives arrival to migratory birds. Over 180 species of birds migrate through Ishkel, which lies in northern Tunisia.
Mosque of the Seven Sleepers. The peculiarity of this ancient mosque, besides its solid age, is that ancient giants are supposedly buried here, or sleep in eternal slumber. The mosque itself is located in Tatavin, a deserted vilayet of Tunisia. It's the easiest place to visit on a tour of the Sahara.
Jerba Island Lagoon. The peculiarity of this picturesque spot on the northeast coast of the island is regular clusters of pink flamingos. The best time to see these amazing birds is in spring, when they are especially abundant in the lagoon.
Colosseum in El Jem. Another structure that has survived from ancient Roman times. The majestic amphitheater attracts many travelers. A visit to the stronghold of the Roman Empire will cost you 10 TND. Children under 12 years old can be brought here for free, but you will have to pay another 1 TND for taking pictures. The Colosseum is open from 7:30 to 19:00 in the summer and from 8:00 to 17:00 at other times.
Decorations for "Star Wars". The movie set, created in the Sahara in the '70s and preserved to this day, is a steady tourist draw. The easiest way to get there is from Touazer, and the set is also part of traditional Sahara tour itineraries.
Sidi Bou Said. This amazingly beautiful city of Tunisia sparkles with white and blue hues. These colors give the city a sense of perpetual morning and lightness. Also, the traditional Tunisian tea with pine nuts in Sidi Bou Said is made especially delicious for some reason.
Nafta. This city has 24 mosques with gilded domes. Nafta is famous as the second religious center of Tunisia. Many tourists regularly flock to admire the picturesque mosques in the middle of the Sahara sands.
For more on Tunisia's attractions, check out our city pages.
