Tunisia interesting places. Historical and architectural sights. Tunisia - the multifaceted capital of the country

We will tell you what must-see sights in Tunisia. The article has photos and descriptions of a variety of places. Read before your trip.

Tunisia is famous not only for its excellent beaches with snow-white, flour-soft sand and thalassotherapy. There are many attractions in this North African country: from historical ruins that have been preserved since the time of the Roman Empire, to noisy and colorful oriental bazaars, beautiful mosques and quiet lagoons with pink flamingos.

monuments

Mysterious Arab country still keeps 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 well compete in scope with the Colosseum in Rome. Bloody gladiator fights were regularly held in it, but now in summer time classical music performed by European orchestras sounds here.

No less impressive are the ruins of the famous. Two thousand years ago this ancient city, erected 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.

The real treasury 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, a square of the winds, a forum, the Baths of Caracalla and the Capitol with 8-meter columns. On the stone pavement one can see traces of chariots passing here millennia ago.

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The largest province of the country, Tatooine, gained worldwide fame thanks to George Lucas' Star Wars movie saga, which featured the planet of the same name. Scenes on this planet were filmed, by the way, right here.

Fans of antiquity will also like the ruins of the Punic city of Pupput, lying between Sousse and Carthage. Remains of mosaics, the ruins of baths and ancient Roman dwellings have been preserved here. Also worth a visit is Nabeul, where the ruins lie. ancient city Neapolis and the city of Kerkuan with the remains of a Punic settlement of the 6th century BC.

In addition to the ancient ruins, among the architectural sights stand out:

• Kelibia Fortress - a city of the same age as Carthage;
• the ancient fort Ribat in Monastir with its labyrinths of passages and stairs;
• Ribat in Sousse - from its watchtowers a picturesque view of the old city and sea ​​port;
• the Kasbah fortress, which currently serves as both a prison and a lighthouse;
• the fortress of Gazi Mustafa with preserved ancient cannons;
• Fort Hammamet, from the walls of which a magnificent panoramic view of the bay opens;
• the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba with a large gilded dome and openwork Moorish galleries;
• the graceful Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul, built at the end of the 19th century;
• one of the oldest shrines in the world - the El-Ghriba synagogue, where the Torah manuscript is kept;
• the mosque of Ukba, the largest in Tunisia;
• Az-Zaitun Mosque - the main mosque in the country,
• the mosque of the Seven Sleepers in the Tataouin region with five-meter tombs of giants.

To compose full impression about the history of Tunisia, it is worth a look at the Bardo Museum. Within its walls is the richest collection of Roman mosaics from Punic times to the Byzantine period, as well as curious artifacts and valuable finds found during archaeological sites V different corners countries. The interiors of the museum are also admired, 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 folk traditions in Gellala, where you can see scenes from the traditional life of the inhabitants of Djerba.

Nature

Beaches

No matter how the architectural sights of Tunisia fascinate with their ancient history, chic white sandy beaches with fine sand delight tourists even more. The most beautiful beaches are considered to be in Hammamet, Mahdia, in 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 appreciate developed infrastructure and availability water activities, clean sand and a gentle entry into the water. And the beaches of La Marsa and Raoued are distinguished by peace and tranquility.

The Mediterranean Sea, although not full of such bright colors as the Red Sea, it attracts divers with sunken ships - from ancient Roman galleons to ships from the Second World War. The most interesting places for diving are on the northern coast (from Bizerte to Tabarka), between Hammamet and Sfax, near Mahdia, on the island of Djerba and on the La Galit archipelago.

Sahara Desert

National parks

There are real "green islands" in Tunisia where you can hide from the dry heat - national parks and reserves. fresh air pleases small national park Ishkul, most the territory of which is occupied by the lake of the same name, surrounded by olive and pistachio groves. This park is famous for stopping by migratory birds arriving in Africa for the winter.

From the capital of Tunisia, you can go to the foot of the Jebel Chaambi mountain, covered with giant Aleppo pines - this is 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 watch monk seals and millions of birds in biosphere reserve Ile Zembra e Zembreta on the islands of Zembra and Zembreta. On the border with Algeria, there is the Jebel Shambi nature reserve, where gazelles, moufflons, foxes and spotted hyenas live peacefully.

National parks also deserve attention: El Feya with Barbary deer, Bu Hedma with a preserved savannah landscape, Jbil with red foxes and Libyan polecats.

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 Tunisia and the Medina of Hammamet. What Tunisian merchants do not sell in their shops: from national fez hats to gold jewelry and handmade clothes. At the same time, in the same place, on the narrow cozy streets Medinas, you can sit in authentic cafes or just wander between old houses, soaking up 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 to the smallest detail (with squares, narrow streets, 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".

Acquaintance with the amazing continent - Africa - is recommended to start with the most familiar countries for Europeans. That is why Tunisia is very popular among tourists. The French are especially fond of it. They are attracted by excellent local kitchen and white sand beaches. But the country, in addition to magnificent coastal landscapes, can surprise with incredible desert expanses, salt lakes and forests, Roman ruins, bizarre architecture and much more.

Amazing place to stay

Tunisia is a country that provides its guests with the opportunity to have a great time. Like here and lovers active rest. No one will be bored in Tunisia. And this applies not only to young people, but also to families with small children. Here you can visit the ancient amphitheaters and troglodyte settlements, the place where the Star Wars movie was filmed (the scenery is still located in the desert), and alluring bazaars.

Remember that if you do not want to spend all your time on the beach near the water, you should not visit Tunisia in the middle of summer. It is very hot there at this time of the year. What are the top attractions to visit in Tunisia? This will be discussed.

Traces of ancient civilizations

The sights of Tunisia can delight any traveler. Therefore, visiting this country will be an unforgettable event. What attractions does Tunisia have? You can see photos of many amazing objects below. Literally the entire territory of this African country is filled with historical monuments, colorful objects and pieces of traditions of many civilizations.

An excursion to the Sahara desert will be interesting for tourists. It provides a unique opportunity to ride camels or rush in jeeps with a breeze. In this deserted area, it will be possible to retire to disconnect for a while from the whole world and just dream or think.

Tunisia has become especially attractive for travelers in last years. This is possible due to the great attention paid in the country to the development of the tourism industry. Tunisia's willingness to accept Europeans is in first place among the countries of the entire African continent. Some historical facts also influence this. The fact is that the study of Africa began with those lands that were closest to the European continent. That is why there are traces of different civilizations on the territory of Tunisia at the present time. Among them are Roman and Arabic, Punic and Western.

Carthage

Of particular importance in the development of the tourism industry in Tunisia is the ruins of an ancient and powerful state in the past. This historical monument- Carthage, which has an impressive size. It takes quite a lot of time to inspect it. However, access for tourists is allowed only in a small part of this ancient state. Excavations continue on the rest of the territory.

Carthage was built by the Phoenicians, who arrived on the Mediterranean coast with the aim of founding a New City. This is how the word "Carthage" is translated. At one time, this city-state was very powerful. However, he was chosen by the Roman emperors for recreation and fell under the military pressure of a stronger empire. However, even today Tunisia can show sights. Carthage shows tourists palaces and theaters, temples and baths, which are the remains of Roman buildings.

Tourists can visit the thermal baths. At that time they were the largest among the Romans. The ruins of the once majestic amphitheater also attract the attention of visitors. There is a museum on the territory of Carthage.

How to get into it historical place? You can get to Carthage directly from the capital of the country - Tunisia. From it to the majestic ruins about 35 km.

Capital

The administrative center of the state of Tunisia is the city of the same name. It is also very interesting for travelers. And this is not surprising, because Tunisia is the oldest settlement. It was founded in the ninth century BC. Anyone who has visited sights in the city of Tunisia, reviews of the tour are sure to leave only enthusiastic reviews.

The colorful center of the city is literally saturated with traditions and history. Attractions of Tunisia, located within it:

• the palaces of Dar Osman, which amaze with the splendor of their external decoration, made of marble and decorated with paintings;
• the oldest city building is Dar el Haddat;
• the mausoleum of Turbet el-Bey;
• Cathedral of Saint Vincent de Paul;
• The Bey House is a colorful building that houses the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
• Souq el-Attarin bazaar, where perfumes, spices, spices and incense are offered to buyers.

The sights of Tunisia, located in the city center, are also represented by an amazing mosque. It is named after Jami ez-Zeitun.

One of the most interesting places in the capital is the largest national museum in the region "Alaun". It is located in the palace of Dar Hussein.

Sousse

The sights of Tunisia do not end with those described above. Excursions to the city of Sousse, which is more ancient than Carthage, are very popular among tourists. It was built on the site of a destroyed Phoenician settlement.

So, you have arrived in Tunisia. Sousse (almost all sights are located in the old town) is surrounded by fortress walls that have been remarkably preserved to this day. In the northeastern part of the village there is a building that deserves special attention tourists. This is a fortress-monastery ribat. It was built in 821 by the ruling Aghlabite dynasty at that time. The fortress was erected in the shape of a square and surrounded by walls, the height of which is twelve meters.

The main purpose of this structure is to repel enemy attacks. In peacetime, the soldiers who were in the fortress studied Islam and prayed in order to propagate it among the inhabitants of the city. In the center of this defensive structure there is a courtyard from which you can get to the cells located on the ground floor. Tourists will certainly be taken to the second floor of the fortress. Here, between two columns, in a stone slab, there is a footprint. There is a belief that a wish made will certainly come true if you step on this trail.

Today, part of the fortress has been given over to the premises of the archaeological museum, the exhibits of which are artifacts collected in different parts of the country.

The specific purpose of your trip to Tunisia is Sousse? The sights of this ancient city are numerous mosques. They are witnesses of the development of Islam in this settlement. Literally a few tens of meters from the ribat fortress is the oldest of them. It is called the Great Mosque. This is the official landmark of the city, which was built in 851-862. Even those tourists who do not adhere to the Muslim faith can enter its patio.

In the southwestern part of the medina of Sousse, tourists can admire great fortress. On its territory there is a high observation tower Khalef al-Fata.

IN eastbound from the Great Mosque rises the 17th-century Zauyya-Zakkak complex, adorned with a beautiful octagonal minaret.

Three of the most interesting museums are located within the walls of the medina. These are Archaeological, "Dar-Essid" and "Kalaut-el-Kubba". The first of them houses the largest collection of antique mosaics in the country. The design of the second museum is fully consistent with the decoration of the house of a wealthy official who lived in the 19th century. Ethnographic orientation has a third institution - "Kalaut-el-Kubba".

The list of attractions of Sousse includes Roman ruins. Guests of the city are attracted by five-kilometer catacombs. In them, Christians buried their dead.

Surroundings of Sousse

Amazing sights are available not only in the oldest African city. Many of them are in its vicinity. So, sixty kilometers from Sousse is the city of El-Jem. On its territory there is an amphitheater perfectly preserved to this day.

North of Sousse is Phrygia Zoo. Numerous agencies offer two-day safaris that take guests to the ancient village of Takrouna. It houses a mosque and the tomb of Sidi Abd el-Kader, a local saint.

Port El Kantaoui

Its territory is officially considered part of Sousse. The main attraction of the port is the water park, as well as a small zoo. You can ride the rides in the park "Hannibal".

Hammamet

This resort town is located on the coast of the bay of the same name. Hammamet is attractive for tourists with its golden sands, blue sea and numerous attractions.

The city welcomes tourists amazing nature and interesting building architecture. It is noteworthy that the houses in Hammamet were built no higher than the cypresses growing there. This is a strict urban planning rule.

Hammamet

Your vacation destination is Tunisia? Hammamet, whose sights are truly unique, is of particular interest to tourists. The first buildings of this ancient part of the city appeared more than 8 centuries ago. The medina is a walled old city. Today, numerous excursions are held on its territory, during which tourists can admire mosques, old houses and fountains. Here, guests of the village are greeted by numerous shops, which offer a variety of souvenirs - copper and ceramic dishes, carpets and leather goods.

Villa Sebastian

The whole world is known in the state of Tunisia Hammamet. Attractions of this amazing city chosen even by world-famous stars. One of the most interesting objects is the house, amazing in its architecture, built by Georg Sebastian. This European of Romanian origin settled in Hammamet in 1920. After the death of Sebastian, the villa repeatedly passed from one owner to another. In 1964, it was bought out by the city administration. Today the villa houses the International Cultural Center. Here you can take a walk through the garden, which grows rare species of plants, admire the pool, and go inside the house to inspect the decoration of the rooms. An amphitheater was erected on the territory adjacent to the villa in 1964. In July-August, it hosts International Cultural Festivals, which are attended by famous artists and other celebrities.

Ruins of Pupput

What other sights does Tunisia (Hammamet) offer to the attention of guests? Traveler reviews testify to the popularity of Pupput ruins among tourists. This ancient archaeological site was formed in the first century BC on the site of an existing Phoenician settlement. Later it was captured by Roman legionaries and completely destroyed. Today, tourists can see the remains of columns, houses and Roman baths. In some places, fragments of mosaic paintings from the Byzantine period have been preserved on the ancient walls.

Monastir

Not far from Hammamet and Sousse is another city whose history began in ancient times. Before it was a small Roman settlement Ruspina. Now it is the city of Monastir. By its name this locality owes the ancient mosque located on its territory.

Have you arrived in Tunisia? Monastir (you can see the sights of this city already in its very center - the medina) we recommend visiting it without fail. One of the main historical sites that attract tourists is military fortress(ribat), on the territory of which is located marine lighthouse. In the old days this fortification defended the city from enemy attacks.

The fortress is an excellent example of Muslim architecture of the 8th-11th centuries and is a very complex system with intricate passages and corridors. This is one of the most interesting sights of a country like Tunisia.

Monastir (the sights of the city, which you should definitely pay special attention to - these are the two most famous mosques) has been attracting numerous tourists for many years.

The first mosque is Great. It is a building without a dome dating back to the 9th century. The second mosque is more modern. It was named after the country's first president, Habib Bourguib. He was born in Monastir and here, in a mausoleum specially built for this purpose, he was buried.

Nabeul

Sixteen kilometers from Hammamet is the Tunisian capital of pottery. This is Nabel. Wonderful resort town attracts many with its calm and measured life. Its guests should definitely visit the Souq el-Juma market. This is a place where, in addition to branded ceramics, they sell perfumes and paintings, leather goods and clothes, spices and herbs, as well as dates.

What other sights in the state of Tunisia? Nabeul, for example, is proud of its small archaeological museum, located near the station. The exhibits of this exhibition are objects found during the excavations of ancient Neapolis.

Tunisia - heady, seductive, amazing beautiful country in North Africa. It has everything - from endless, beautiful beaches to thousand-year-old Roman ruins, from mountainous oases and salt lakes to incredibly beautiful cities.

Tunisia is all about neat gardens dotted with palm trees against the backdrop of the spectacular Sahara Desert. It is a country dotted with small islands on one side of the coast and hills with pine trees, lush pastures, vineyards and olive groves on the other.

Tunisia has the missing elements of seduction for every individual: breathtaking panoramas of vast golden beaches, and miles of captivating beauties and contrasts of the hinterland.

Kairouan

Kairouan - the Holy City - is the most beautiful and popular place in the Sahel, an area that occupies central location in Tunisia. The Sahel is located on the fertile plains east coast Tunisia and has long been the heart of the country's agriculture. The Romans planted millions of olive trees throughout the region, which continue to grow in Kairouan today.

Kairouan is the first Arab capital in North Africa and a very beautiful city, primarily due to the Great Mosque, which is the spiritual center of the country and the most famous building in Tunisia. The city has many beautiful architectural monuments, of which, perhaps, the best preserved amphitheater of the Roman era.

Add to this a magnificent series of beaches, and Kairouan's popularity in the region becomes apparent.

sousse

The outstanding buildings of Sousse are exceptional evidence of the civilization of the first centuries of the Hijri. Medina, located in the city center, has the characteristics of an early Islamic city of a new type.

From the port of El Kantaoui directly to the city center of Sousse, the dazzling white sandy beaches of Bujaffar lie for 10 km. Several areas are closed to resort hotels but most are open to the public. In summer, the beaches are crowded with vacationers until late at night. Sousse is where families come to enjoy a picnic and cool air from the stunning blue ocean.

Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful places in the city of Sousse in Tunisia is the Medina (ancient city). Its labyrinths, surrounded by ninth-century walls, are an incredibly beautiful place. Right at the entrance to the ancient city stands the stunning ninth-century Great Mosque, the only one in Tunisia without a minaret. Next to it is the most old monument in Medina - Ribat - an eighth-century fortress in which you can find an outstanding collection of Roman mosaics. The city has preserved a network of about 5.5 km of tunnels that make up catacombs that are open to the public.

Dougga

Dougga or Thugga is an ancient Roman city in northern Tunisia. In 1997, this beautiful place was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Dougga is considered to be "the best preserved Roman small town in North Africa."

In the very center of the town is ancient monument, built on an elevated site, offering stunning views of the fertile plains of Tunisia. The size of Dugga, its well-preserved monuments and traces of a rich Punic, Roman and Byzantine history make it exceptional and unique. Among the most famous monuments on the territory of the city - the Libyan mausoleum, the theater and the temple of Saturn and Juno.

Many of Dougga's monuments are unique and testify to the harmonious synthesis of several cultures - Numidian, Punic, Hellenistic and Roman - which makes it a truly unique city.

El Jem Amphitheater

Built at the end of the second century AD, the El Jem Amphitheater is another impressively beautiful place in Tunisia.

This gladiatorial arena is located in the modern provincial Tunisian town of Thysdrus, it is a symbol of Roman power and prosperity. The original name of the town of El-Jem and its impressive ruins attract tourists from all over the world.

Monastir

Monastir is a beautiful place in Tunisia where the air is so soft, the sky is so clear, the sea is blue and the people are so warm and friendly that you will remember your trip or holiday in this extraordinary area for a long time.

In the southern part of the Gulf of Hammamet, the city of Monastir is a land of dreams, an oasis in the vast sea of ​​white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and blue skies. The city has a great many attractions, the main of which is the impregnable fortress Ribat built in 796.

Within the building of the fortress, the Museum of Islamic Art "Ali Bourguiba" was created. The museum houses beautiful Kufic manuscripts, some of which are illuminated, beautiful old textiles, glassware, ceramics and miniatures from various periods, as evidence of the rise of civilization.

Sights of Tunisia. The most important and interesting sights of the cities of Tunisia: photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.

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Fortress of Gazi Mustafa

The fortress of Gazi Mustafa is the most monumental attraction of Djerba, located on the embankment of the capital of the island, the city of Houmt Souk. Its long and glorious martial history dates back to the 9th century, when the Arab conquerors North Africa to protect against pirates, a fortified citadel was erected on the coast.

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The New Medina at Yasmine Hammamet

The new medina of Yasmine-Hammamet, or, as it is also called, the Mediterranean medina, is an obligatory item in the cultural program of tourists vacationing in this resort and in Hammamet itself. This is an ancient Arab city recreated with demonstrative thoroughness behind the fortress wall.

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The history of the region is conditionally divided into Punic, Christian and colonial periods. This is reflected in museum evidence of the past, in the exterior and interior of buildings, and works of art. However, if we talk about the capital of the state, called Tunisia, a very significant period for it can be called the colonial era. The French colonists did not treat the local culture with liberal understanding and respect, imposing their own rules. And since nostalgia for the “best of cities” has already eaten them up, a city similar to Paris has grown on the African continent. The buildings of the 19th century have not completely survived to this day, but the colorful “Arab Paris”, surrounded by more traditional buildings along the perimeter and preserved in the form of a small business district, still attracts the attention of tourists from all over the world. Don't miss the chance to walk along Habib Bourguiba Avenue, visit the medina (the old city founded in the 8th century), see the Zituna Mosque and the Torbet el Bey mausoleum, look into the palaces of Dar el Bey, Dar ben Abdellayi and famous palace Bardo, which houses a very colorful Mosaic Museum.

Every town in Tunisia hides a lot of curious places, on every street you just have to get rid of the vain, smell, taste and listen - and you are guaranteed a sea of ​​unforgettable impressions!

However, the main attraction in Tunisia is the ancient remains of the city of Carthage. As the elder brother of Rome, he was the most prosperous city Arab world, until he seriously swung at world domination - and therefore even the location on the top of the mountain did not save him from destruction by the warlike Romans. It was literally wiped off the face of the earth a couple of thousand years ago, but to this day the ruins of Carthage keep echoes of magnificent architecture, and its cultural heritage and household items, works of art adorn the collections of museums not only in Tunisia, but also in many world capitals. Mandatory to visit the amphitheater of Carthage, Birs hill with the Cathedral of St. Louis, National Museum Carthage, the baths of the emperor Antoninus Pius and the huge cisterns for collecting water Maalga.

One of the best preserved archaeological parks in Tunisia and greater territory Africa, the real ancient Roman city of Dougga testifies to the times when local lands were provinces of Rome. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dougga offers connoisseurs an abundance of ruins of ancient buildings from all time: an amphitheater built in 199 AD. e., still serving as a platform for the annual theatrical festival, the Punic mausoleum, the forum and the Square of the Winds, the Capitol, the Baths of Caracalla, 21 temples of various periods and religions, and much more.

Sidi Bou Said, 17 km from the capital of Tunisia, is a small museum town on a hill that offers a picturesque view of the Gulf of Carthage. The landscape is perfectly complemented by the contrasts of local architecture: snow-white buildings with piercing blue shutters, platbands on the windows and curly bars on them. Since 1915, it has been forbidden by law to change anything in the appearance of buildings, and therefore most of the houses in the old part of the town are ready-made museum exhibits. Especially worth paying attention to the estate of Dar el-Annabi, as well as the Museum of Arabic and Mediterranean Music.

To wander through the streets of the most authentic medina in Tunisia, you need to go to Kairouan - the once sacred capital of Tunisia, for Muslims and is still considered the fourth most important after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. In addition, Kairouan, founded in the 7th century by the Arabs at the crossroads of the most important trade routes of Africa, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Of the must-see places, it is worth highlighting the main mosque and the ruins of the Palace of the ruler, as well as authentic carpet workshops with wonderful knotted carpets.

Sousse is the noisiest youth resort on the coast with an indispensable medina behind the ramparts, a medieval fortress, picturesque architecture, as well as the noisiest disco on the coast - Bora Bora. Very close is Port el Kantaoui - a tiny port-garden that attracts tourists with luxurious hotels, villas and a wonderful yacht club.

But connoisseurs of silence, solitude and natural attractions should not pass by an excursion to Douz - the gate to the silence of the largest Sahara desert on the planet. In confirmation of this, on the outskirts of the city, right in front of the Big Dune, there is a monument in the form of a key. Numerous excursions to the Sahara depart from here, but the city itself remains part of it: one half of it is similar to many other Tunisian cities from their medina, and the second reminds that this is a real oasis in the desert with thick date palms. Today it tourist centre with all the necessary services for this.

However, this is only part of the variety of impressions, the most curious evidence of antiquity and modern color that you will find in Tunisia. Each town here is fraught with many curious places, on every street you just have to get rid of the vain, smell, taste and listen - and you are guaranteed a sea of ​​unforgettable impressions!

On south coast warm mediterranean sea An amazing country is comfortably located, which fascinates with its grandeur and rich history. We are talking about Tunisia - the pearl of the African continent, which attracts millions of tourists from all over the world every year. This state is famous not only warm sea, delightful beaches and unique oriental flavor, but also unique architectural and natural objects. The sights of Tunisia will not leave indifferent any traveler - they are so majestic and grandiose.

1. Amphitheater in El Jem

The amphitheater in El Jem is one of the most famous attractions in Tunisia. It was built in the III century on the model of the Roman Colosseum. Historians suggest that the first stones in the foundation of this grand structure were laid in 230. Construction continued for eight years, however, was never completed. Until the 7th century, the building remained unclaimed and almost disappeared from the face of the Earth - the locals began to dismantle it and use the stones for their own needs.

The amphitheater in El Jem was built specifically for gladiator fights and chariot races. That is why, under this building, ancient architects conceived a real underground city with special rooms for animals, slaves and gladiators. About 30 thousand spectators, who were located on the steps of the amphitheater, could watch their bloody battles at the same time. This building was used for the filming of the famous film "Gladiator".

2. Ruins of Carthage

The ruins of one of the most majestic cities ancient world founded in the 9th century BC. e., located in the suburbs of Tunisia. For several centuries, this city-state fought with the Romans, and in the II century BC. e. was completely destroyed by them. In its place, a new city was erected, which later became the most influential in the entire Mediterranean. It is its ruins that tourists see now.

Archaeologists managed to partially restore only a few structures of that time. Among them is the Roman amphitheater for 5 thousand spectators, in which naval battles were held. Among the ruins of Carthage there are the remains of residential quarters, sanctuaries, Roman baths, as well as the longest in antique time plumbing. Nowadays, excursions to this attraction of Tunisia are very popular with tourists.

3. Fortress of Gazi Mustafa

The fortress of Gazi Mustafa is considered the most monumental attraction of the island of Djerba. The construction was erected by the Arabs in the 9th century to protect against the constant attacks of bloodthirsty pirates. The fortress impresses with its impregnability - it is surrounded by a deep moat along the entire perimeter, and its stone walls are 4 meters wide.

Throughout its history, this building has been repeatedly destroyed and modernized. Additional floor and corner battle towers it acquired only in the 16th century. At the same time, the fortress received its name, which was given to it by the name of the Turkish commander. Within the walls of the fortress for three centuries there was a pyramid of skulls of the Spaniards, who tried to recapture this building for three months. It has a fortress and a second name - Borj el-Kebir.

4. Medina of Tunisia

Medina is considered the historical and spiritual heart of Tunisia. old center cities. The first buildings were erected here in the XII-XV centuries. Along the entire perimeter, Medina was surrounded by a fortress wall, of which nothing remains now. Only stone gates and part of the fortifications remind of this grandiose structure.

Currently, the Medina of Tunis attracts tourists with its labyrinth of intricate narrow streets with buildings of different eras and styles, an old market with many shops and souvenir shops, as well as the Great Mosque (Jami ez-Zeitoun Mosque), which is the spiritual center of the whole country. A feature of this attraction is its oval shape, while rectangular is considered classic. The change in shape occurred as a result of its multiple expansions over the last millennium.

5. La Griba Synagogue

La Griba is considered the oldest synagogue not only in Africa, but also in the world. It is located on the territory of the Tunisian island of Djerba in one of the former Jewish villages. Historians suggest that it was erected in the VI century. BC e. Its founders were exiled Jews who rushed to seek refuge after the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple of King Solomon.

From the ancient synagogue, only a small part of the foundation has survived to this day. The modern building that tourists see was built in the 19th century on the site of a 16th-century building. The name of the synagogue - La Griba - translated from Arabic into Russian means "amazing". And this attraction, in fact, surprises - not only with rich interior decoration, but also with a real treasury of the most valuable religious literature. Among the sacred scrolls is the world's oldest copy of the Torah.

6. Fort Hammamet

The list of the most popular tourist destinations in Tunisia includes the Hammamet Fort. The history of the fort, which rises in the center of the Medina of the city of Hammamet, dates back to the end of the 10th century. This fortress, like others on this coast, was built specifically to protect the followers of Islam from militant Christians and pagans from the desert and the sea. Subsequently, the building was modernized several times, as a result of which it became possible to place shooters and firearms on it. In the 20th century, it was restored again and turned into a museum.

The fortress has the shape of a deformed square with walls 13 meters high. Currently, on its territory you can see ancient Turkish cannons, a fortress wall, a museum of the history of the fort and a souvenir shop. In the center of the fort is the tomb of the warrior monk Sidi Bu-Ali, who lived in it in the 15th century.

7. Fortress Ribat

The ancient fortress of Ribat is one of the most striking sights of the Tunisian city of Monastir. The structure was erected in the 8th century to protect against attacks by enemies, and at first it was small in size. But over time, it was transformed into a large-scale defensive complex, the first largest built in North Africa in the Middle Ages. The defenders of the fortress were devoted Muslim monks who were trained in the basics of military affairs and combat tactics.

The fortress covers an area of ​​more than 4 thousand square meters. Due to numerous reconstructions, many passages and passages appeared in the walls of the building, as a result of which the Ribat became like a labyrinth. The building is perfectly preserved, and therefore films are often shot in it. Some of the most popular blockbusters filmed in Ribat are "Indiana Jones" by S. Spielberg and "Jesus of Nazareth" by V. Zeffirelli.

8. Sahara Desert in Tunisia

The Sahara Desert is one of the most interesting places in Tunisia for tourists. The Sahara is the largest hot desert on the planet. It occupies more than 8.6 million square kilometers, which is about a third of the area of ​​​​all of Africa. Many mistakenly believe that the desert is solid sands, deserted expanses and endless golden plains with dunes and pits. However, sands occupy only 25% of the Sahara, the rest of the area is mountains. volcanic origin and stony rocks.

The desert has many attractions, including the ruins of the outpost of the Roman Empire - Fort Tisavar, the highest dune of the eastern Erg Zemlet el-Borma, monolithic sacred mountain Tembain, and, of course, the most scenic spots The Sahara are oases surrounded by palm groves.

9. Bardo National Museum

This museum, located in the suburbs of Le Bardot, the Tunisian capital, is rightfully considered a landmark of all of North Africa. He is the owner of the most valuable funds - a large number unique artifacts, as well as the world's largest collection of Roman mosaics dating from different eras.

The Bardo National Museum is housed in a 13th-century country palace built for the then-ruling Hafsid dynasty. It first opened its doors to visitors in 1888. Thanks to the exhibits presented in it, you can get acquainted with the history of Tunisia and the legendary Carthage, see household items, jewelry, ceramics of the ancient Romans, and also consider marble statues their gods. But the main wealth in this museum is mosaics - it presents both the first samples of this art, simple in technique and modest in scale, as well as monumental, rich compositions of the Romans of our era. This mandatory seat to visit in Tunisia!

10. Mosque of the Seven Sleepers

The Mosque of the Seven Sleepers is located in a small mountain Berber village called Shenini. On its territory there are five-meter tombs, in which, according to legend, giants rest. According to legend, this temple was founded by the Berbers in memory of seven Christians who lived during the Roman Empire. Fleeing from the persecution of the Roman legionnaires, they took refuge in a cave, where they plunged into a sound sleep for four centuries. At the same time, their bodies continued to grow, and when they woke up, they appeared before the locals as real giants. After their death, their bodies were buried in accordance with Muslim rites, since at that time Islam was already flourishing in the country.

11. Medina Sousse

The medina of the city of Sousse was built in the Middle Ages, around the 9th-11th centuries. This architectural complex is one of the excellent examples Arabic architecture which has come down to our days in its original form. The winding narrow streets of the Medina are surrounded by a ring of walls made of stone blocks left over from the ruined ancient Roman buildings.

Medina of Sousse is decorated with picturesque ancient buildings. It is here that the main attractions of the city are located - prayer houses, including the Great Mosque, Bu Ftata, Sidi Ali al-Ammar and others, the Kasbah fortress, Archaeological Museum, the fortress-monastery Ribat, as well as a shopping area with products of local artisans and souvenirs.

12. Shebika Oasis

The sights of Tunisia are not only architectural monuments. You can verify this by visiting a truly heavenly place at the foot of the Jebel el-Negub mountain - the Shebika oasis, which is considered one of the most beautiful oases on the entire planet. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world come to see this natural phenomenon - a sky-blue lake with lush green vegetation, surrounded on all sides by burning desert sands and barren rocks.

In ancient times, there was a Roman outpost on the territory of Shebiki, later shelters for the Berbers were built in these places. However, their village was almost completely destroyed by mudflows, and therefore the inhabitants had to leave these parts. Now Shebika is a favorite place for tourists and filmmakers. This mountainous oasis became a natural backdrop for E. Minghella's film The English Patient, which was filmed in 1996.