Things to see in Tunis from the medina to the beaches

The city of Tunis it enjoys, among other things, a particularly favorable position.
Ancient Carthagein fact, it is at the center of a country – the Tunisia – quite small; in just eight hours you go from the African beach to the desert of Sahara. One hour from Tunis there are kilometers of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, but also ancient Phoenician and suggestive fortresses hammam in caves carved into the rock. TO Korbus there are hot salt water baths and you can enjoy incredible sunsets from the cliff; there are the markets of Bizerte (of fish) and Frippes; Hammamet offers of cocktails and beach parties. Most of the big cities are reachable from the main train or bus stations of Tunis, but for those who are not afraid of anarchic driving and chaotic traffic, it is also possible to rent a car, to enjoy an “on the road” trip. along the 713 miles of the northern coast, for a postcard view: if the sky is clear it is even possible to see the Italian coasts. In short, the things to see in Tunis from the medina to the beaches they are a lot. Let’s go and discover some of them.

Things to see in Tunis from the medina to the beaches: the al-Zaytuna mosque

The Medina grew around the largest mosque in Tunis, Al-Zaytuna (the Olive Tree Mosque), which covers more than 5 thousand square meters and is the only one open to non-Muslims, even if only as regards the central courtyard. It is one of the most ancient mosques in Africa: it was built in 732 BC, using the remains of the ancient Carthagebut it is only from the thirteenth century that it began to flourish, since it became the seat of theUniversity of Islamic studies.

Things to see in Tunis from the medina to the beaches: Avenue Habib Bourguiba

There Avenue Habib Bourguiba is a wide tree-lined avenue, as well as the central street of Tunis, that from the railway station leads to the main entrance of the Medina. It is an elegant street, overlooked by banks, shops, restaurants and the terraces of the cafes where Tunisians meet from the late afternoon. On the boulevard there is also the great one Municipal Theaterin liberty style, and the Cathedral St. Vincent de Paul. In front of the Cathedral stands the statue of the great Tunisian medieval scholar Ibn Khaldunwhile modern Tunisia is represented by the great clock tower, built to commemorate the presidency of Ben Ali.

Things to see in Tunis from the medina to the beaches: Dar Ben Abdallah Museum

The museum Dar Ben Abdallah it was built in the late 18th century and was originally a private home. Today it is one of the best preserved palaces in Tunis. Inside there is the family collection: furniture, fabrics and crafts that tell the life of the wealthiest classes in the 19th century Medina. Hosts the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditionswhich collects the best examples of traditional arts and crafts.

Things to see in Tunis from the medina to the beaches: The Bardo Museum

Built in the 13th century, recently renovated and reorganized, this splendid palace today is not just an extraordinary example of Arab-Muslim architecturebut also the headquarters of the National Museum of Tunisia. The largest and most extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics, the main attraction of the Museum. It is a unique collection in the world, with mosaics from the 2nd century BC to the 7th century AD. The collections of Greek and Islamic art. To fully enjoy the visit it is advisable to go very early in the morning or in the late afternoon, so as to avoid the crowds of tourists in the central hours.

Things to see in Tunis from the medina to the beaches: Tourbet el-Bey

This gorgeous Ottoman mausoleum, built in the 18th century, is the largest in Tunis. More than 160 descendants of the Husaynid dynasty are buried here – who reigned over Tunisia for over a century – but also ministers and their families. The interior is decorated with carved tiles, marble and stucco. Among the ornamental motifs also the eight-pointed star, which represents the gates of paradise.

Things to see in Tunis from the medina to the beaches: the Unesco heritage

There Medina and the historic center of Tunis. Built during the 7th century AD, it was declared Unesco world heritage. From the 12th to the 16th century, Tunis was one of the largest and richest cities in the entire Islamic world and the Medina is the testimony of its ancient splendor. Today cross the labyrinth of narrow streets and meandering and bartering the price of a souvenir with local merchants is like traveling back in time. Getting lost in those alleys can cause a sense of bewilderment, but just let yourself go to randomness and live the experience to grasp the funniest aspects and emotions, discovering traditional artisans, food markets and ancient monuments. Among the most interesting attractions, within the walls of the Medina, the Olive Tree Mosque, the perfume producers “Souk el Attarine “ and Tunis’s first Ottoman-style mosque, the Sidi Yousef, built in the 17th century.