Tunis, Carthage & Sidi Bou Said
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The Coasts of Carthage
A delightful potpourri of exotic Tunisian, a little French panache
and a treasure trove of history makes this a wonderful area to
visit. Luxurious hotels set amidst sub-tropical gardens running
down to the turquoise sea rival any in the world for cuisine and
style. Whilst in Tunis you can veritably shop till you drop in
the elegant shops on the broad boulevards or hunt for souvenirs
in the ancient souk. Visit the ruins of Carthage, walk the winding
hill to the top of Sidi Bou Said for an incomparable view over
the bay below.
Introduction
The Coasts of Carthage are a veritable treasure trove of history
yet, sadly, not considered to be a first choice for holidaymakers
in Tunisia. However for the cognoscenti its main attractions are
the glorious golden beaches warmed by the languid waters of the
Mediterranean Sea, the panache of its French colonial past and
sophistication of the capital Tunis.
But there is more to this coastline than just beaches and cities.
Take a tour to the stunning Blue White Artisan Village of Sidi
Bou Said with its winding cobbled street passing a myriad of shops
selling leather goods, local pottery and of course the ubiquitous
stuffed camel! Walk to the top for a marvellous view over the
Bay below. Only a short drive away is the immortal city of Carthage
with its long and tumultuous history. Finally sacked after rivalling
Rome and later rebuilt, the ruins are worth seeing if only to
glimpse the sheer wealth and grandeur of a bygone age.
If time is short the Bardo Museum in Tunis is a 'must
see'. The mosaics are truly breathtaking - some are
tiny, others cover a complete floor, but all are superb in their
detail and sheer artistry.
No holiday is complete without a visit to the Medina in Tunis.
The souk is a veritable treasure house brimming full to overflowing
with craft shops, selling everything from leather jackets to intricate
silverware, local brightly painted pottery, carpets and rugs.
Above all haggle - it's the done thing! Stop in a
café and sip a refreshing cup of Tunisian mint tea, or
try some of the local delicacies - perhaps gateaux 'Tunisiens
' - or a bowl of 'Lablabi' - a spicy
chick pea soup.
The Great Mosque - Djemas ez Zitouna - (often called
The Olive Tree Mosque) is second only in importance to the Holy
Sidi Oqba Mosque in Kairouan in Tunisia. Originally built in 732
AD but reconstructed in 864 AD by the Aghlabids the architecture
is impressive and elegant. Unfortunately, only the courtyard is
open to non-Muslims (excluding Fridays) but for the energetic
it's well worth a climb up the winding stairs to the rooftop
terraces of the local cafes to see the full splendour of the Mosque
from afar.
Other places of interest to visit include - in stark contrast
to the Mosque - the distinctive Cathedral of St. Vincent-de-Paul
with its ornate neo-Renaissance façade echoing the past
French colonial era, for an excellent selection of local craft
visit the ONAT (Organisation Nationale de L'Artisnat Tunisien)
and then relax in one of the numerous popular cafes close by!
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