
Bay of Tunis © Paul SKG
The capital city of this North African gem is Tunisia's largest
city and stretches along the coastal plains and surrounding hills
of the Gulf of Tunis. Steeped in a rich and fascinating history,
Tunis is home to the famous Roman ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and popular tourist attraction, dating back to the
fourth century BC. Tunis has witnessed the passage of the
Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French
over the last 3,000 years.
Other attractions in the city include the National Museum of Bardo
which tells the stories of Tunisia's history from the Phoenicians
right through to modern-day times, while the old Medina in the
centre of Tunis co-exists with the modern architecture of the new
city (Ville Nouvelle), linked by labyrinths of alleys and covered
passages infused throughout by the magical aromas, vibrant colours
and sounds of bustling souks.
The modern city of Tunis is located just through the Sea Gate which
has remained unchanged since it was erected in 1848 and is also
known as the
Bab el Bahr, where the Champs-
Élysées of Tunisia - the grand Avenue Habib Bourguiba
- crosses through the middle. Colonial architecture can be found
here illustrating the history of this culturally diverse and
historic city.
The spicy foods and flavours of local dishes may blow the socks of
some tourists, but to others, the fragrant heat of the fiery red
chilli paste known as
harissa is an essential
accompaniment to ones' Tunis experience while the Tunisian coffee,
much like the Turkish variety, is world-renowned for its rich
flavours and energising properties.