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Tunis: Carthage – Sidi Bousaid, La Medina, and Experience in Carthage
Are you visiting Tunis and interested in learning more about the city’s rich history? This guide will provide you with key information about exploring the areas of Carthage, Sidi Bousaid, and La Medina, providing useful information about the culture, people, and experiences in these areas.
What is Carthage?
Carthage was an ancient Phoenician city in Tunisia, on the edge of the Gulf of Tunis. First established by settlers from Tyre in about 814 BC, it went on to become one of the largest cities of the Ancient World and one of the most influential and important cities of the Mediterranean. It was a major center of trade, commerce and politics, with its harbor and ports being used to control the trade across the Mediterranean. It was such an important city that it was sacked twice by Romans before its eventual downfall.
Carthage has a rich history and cultural heritage, and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The city has some incredible archaeological sites and ruins, including the Byrsa Hill, which is home to the remains of the Punic-period city, and the Roman Amphitheater of Carthage. The archaeological sites here are some of the most impressive in Tunisia, and visitors can explore the area to gain insights into the city’s culture. Visitors can also explore the rest of Carthage, where there are several museums and cultural centers that present both ancient and modern cultural artifacts.
What is Sidi Bousaid?
Sidi Bousaid is a small fishing village located south of Tunis and close to Carthage. The village got its name from Sidi Bou Said, also known as Abu Said ibn Khalef ibn Yahya al-Tamimi al-Beji, who was a 13th-century Muslim Saint who is believed to have founded the old town area in the early 1200s.
Sidi Bousaid is a beautiful town, with its steep cobbled streets winding around bright blue-domed houses and narrow alleyways. The town is home to some wonderful hotels and guesthouses, providing visitors with a great place to stay while exploring Tunisia. The old town is filled with small shops and cafes, providing a great place to relax and enjoy a spot of shopping.
Sidi Bousaid is also home to some beautiful beaches, which are great for swimming and catching some sun – or for just taking in some scenic views. The area is also home to several historical sites such as Fort Rassas – an Italian-built fortification – and fortifications from the Spanish occupation. Visitors can also explore the gardens in the village, with their unique bougainvillea flowers adding a splash of color to the village.
What is La Medina?
La Medina is the old port district of Tunis in Tunisia, founded over 1000 years ago. It is one of the oldest parts of the city and has a long and rich history. La Medina is an atmospheric mix of narrow alleyways and bustling markets, with maze-like passages filled with ancient buildings, shops, cafes, and more. As you explore La Medina, you will experience both traditional Tunisian life as well as modern-day markets where you can find everything from local produce to souvenirs.
La Medina is home to several historical sites such as El Kef Castle – a well-preserved medieval fortress – and La Souk En-Nasrani – one of Tunisia’s oldest markets. Visitors can explore these sites as well as wander around La Medina’s contemporary markets which are filled with traditional restaurants and souvenir shops selling colorful goods – you can even find handmade dervishes dancers figures here!
Experience in Carthage
When it comes to experiencing Carthage, visitors have plenty of options. One popular activity is exploring the historic sights and architecture through a guided tour such as this guided tour of Tunis. This tour starts at Korba Metro Station before making its way through the charming ancient port district of La Medina, where you will visit El Kef Castle as well as other historic sites like La Souk en-Nasrani market. The tour then goes on to explore Byrsa Hill – an archaeological hill with Carthaginian ruins – before ending at an authentic local cafe or restaurant where you can sample traditional dishes!
If you’d like to venture outside of Carthage and explore other parts of Tunis province then you can take a day trip to Sidi Boussaid which is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area. Here you’ll find charming streets lined with bright blue-domed houses as well as stunning beaches where you can cool off from the heat. There are also other historical sites here such as Fort Rassas which was built by Italians during their occupation in Tunisia.
Finally, there is plenty to explore when it comes to Tunis’ culture and art scene too. There are several museums which you can visit such as The National Bardo Museum which houses an impressive collection of objects from all periods of Tunis’ history including Roman mosaics and Islamic art, as well as contemporary Arab artworks from local artists. Art enthusiasts will love exploring the art galleries located in La Medina too where there are plenty of exhibitions showcasing local artworks for sale.
Tunisia has some incredible sites to experience, especially when it comes to exploring Carthage, Sidi Bousaid and La Medina – three essential destinations for anyone visiting Tunis! From exploring historic monuments to sampling traditional dishes in local cafes, there’s plenty to see and do when visiting these areas – don’t forget to book your guided tour now!
