Tunis City Travel Guide

Although Tunis was founded 3,000 years ago by the Berbers, it was not until the 7th century, after destruction of Carthage, that the city achieved independent importance under the control of Arab Muslims. From the 12th century to the 16th century, Tunis was controlled by the Almohad and Hafsid Berber dynasties, becoming one of the richest and greatest cities in the Islamic world.

Today’s Tunis is full of surprises. Smart hotels, steel and glass conference halls, International banks, chic boutiques, bookshops art galleries, broad tree-shaded avenues and busy yellow taxis give it all the bustle of a modern Mediterranean city. Yet around the corner is the Medina, almost unchanged since mediaeval times. As you enter its maze of narrow streets, alleys and covered passageways, the centuries slip away. Small shops, their treasures of brass, olive wood, leather, Berber jewellery, carpets, pottery and brightly colored garments spilling out into the street, vie for your attention. Continue upwards towards the Mosque of the Olive Tree, ‘Ez Zitouna’, at the heart of the Medina and as old as the town itself.

Rebuilt in the 9th century, Ez Zitouna was for centuries the focal point of the city. Traditionally, only the noble tradesmen like booksellers, perfumeries, dried fruit sellers and cloth merchants were allowed to operate within close proximity to the mosque. This is evident even today as only the traditional clothing shops, perfume souks and the spice shops are located alongside its walls.

Places of interest

Bardo National Museum, housed in a 13th century Hafsid palace, contains a major collection of Roman and other antiquities; Ez Zitouna Mosque; Carthage Archaeological site; Tourbet El Bey Mausaoleum and, nearby, the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said. If your next holiday destination is Tunisia, remember to include Tunis touring safari in your package.