Kairouan
Founded in AD 670 by a follower of the Prophet Mohammed, Kairouan is the fourth holiest city in Islam. Only Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem are more important. Its importance becomes clear when one knows that seven visits to Kairouan correspond to one trip to Mecca. The most famous sight of Kairouan is the Djama Sidi Oqba Mosque (AD 672). It is the oldest and most important mosque in North Africa. Non-Muslims are not allowed in the prayer room of the mosque. From the inner courtyard, however, tourists of all denominations can get an overview of the beautiful architecture of the church. The Barber Mosque and the adjoining mausoleum of Sidi Sahab are equally impressive. A visit to the fully preserved medina or the Aghlabid water basins (9th century) should not be missed. ). Kairouan is also known for its wide variety of knotted, knotted and woven carpets. These can be admired in the ONAT, the state office for handicrafts.
- Andyeducation.com: Introduction to education system in Tunisia, including compulsory schooling and higher education.
El Kef
One of the most beautiful cities in Tunisia is El Kef. The city, situated on a mountain slope, offers a wide view over the country. The Algerian border is around 35 kilometers away and the capital, Tunis, is around 150 kilometers away. El Kef has always been a religious center. The many different places of worship still bear witness to this today. Numerous mosques, the synagogue Al Ghriba and remains of the Byzantine basilica Dar El Kous can be visited. Worth seeing is the Kasbah, a Turkish fortress from the 17th century. Below the fortress lies the beautiful Medina (old town). Also worth seeing are the Roman baths, the cisterns, the aqueduct or the mausoleum of Sidi Bou Makhlouf. The Musée Régional des Arts et Traditions Populares is also worth a visit.
Historic sites
Tunisia has numerous well-preserved remains of Punic, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic settlements. Eight historic sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among the best known are the ruins of Carthage near Tunis. The El Jem amphitheater (3rd century) is also one of them. Likewise, the medina of Tunis, the nearby national park Ichkeul Lake and the Punic city of Kerkouane with its necropolis. The ruins of Dougga and the Roman theater built there in 168 AD are particularly impressive. Also worth a visit are Bulla Regia with its wonderful underground palaces and Sbeitla, one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. And the medina of Sousse and Kairouan are also worth a visit.
Douz
In the desert city of Douz, the traditions of the nomads are still very present. The city used to be an important caravan station. Every Thursday there is a colorful hustle and bustle at the weekly market. Among other things, wonderful Berber jewelry and goods made of goat or camel leather are sold. Douz is also famous for its desert greyhounds, the Slougis. Every year at the end of December, the Festival International du Sahara takes place as a popular highlight. Equestrian games, races with greyhounds, Arabian horses and camels can be seen for four days. Apart from that, the city is often just a stop on a tour of Tunisia. Still, Douz is worth a stay. If only because of the camel and desert tours that start there.
Yasmine Hammamet
Yasmine Hammamet was created in the 1990s. The artificial paradise is located in the northern part of the Gulf of Hammamet. In addition to a variety of hotels, there is a marina, a marina, a newly constructed medina, a casino, an ice rink, restaurants and nightclubs. The typical Arabic souk in particular attracts many visitors. The kilometer-long beach promenade, various beach clubs, numerous cafés and two golf courses are also part of the complex. Since 2003, the Medina Mediterrane amusement park has been the attraction of Yasmine Hammamet. It was built in the style of the New Medina and offers a wide range of entertainment. A fairytale world and the Karthage-Land adventure park are just two of them.
Carthage
The ruins of the 814 AD. The ancient city of Carthage, founded by the Phoenicians, is near Tunis. Today’s Carthage is a villa suburb of Tunis. The nearby archaeological site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The most famous sights include the Punic ports, whose docks have been preserved to this day. The Tophet resting place is also worth a visit. The former cathedral of Carthage, located on Byrsa Hill, now houses the Acropolium cultural and events center. Next to it is the former monastery of Pères Blancs (White Fathers), which houses the National Archaeological Museum. The exhibition shows Punic and Roman finds. Also worth seeing are the Roman cisterns of La Malga or the Antonius Pius thermal baths.
Gabès
The port city of Gabès is around 400 kilometers from Tunis and forms the center of an oasis. Unfortunately, the old town was severely damaged in World War II. However, the Roman water distribution system has survived to this day. Also worth seeing are the Sidi Driss Mosque (11th century), the tomb of Sidi Boulbaba (7th century) and the folklore museum. For those in need of relaxation, Gabès offers a very beautiful sandy beach. The coastal oasis can be visited from Djerba as part of a day trip. Many excursions and day trips to other cities and regions of Tunisia also start from here. For example, a popular tour is to the Jara souks, known for their wickerwork.
