Some Tunisia Travel Advice Tips

If you're looking for Tunisia travel advice, you ought to include the Amphitheatre of El Jem in your itinerary. Sometimes written 'El Djem' this largest amphitheatre in North Africa is, like many places in Tunisia, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The now ruined amphitheatre was built in the 3rd century to accommodate 35,000 spectators. Its construction is so good that it has been compared with the Roman Coliseum. Underneath the amphitheatre there is a network of passages where gladiators, prisoners and animals were kept whilst awaiting their (final) fate in the arena.

Some have compared the elliptical Amphitheatre of El Djem (El Jem) to the Roman Coliseum. One of many Tunisian World Heritage Sites, it was constructed to house the thousands who flocked to the hand to hand battles at which many gladiators, lions and criminals died. These hapless victims were housed in the corridors beneath the enormous arena before being called to fight. The amphitheatre was built around 238 AD.

In the Medina of Sousse you can feel the atmosphere of ancient Tunisia. Once you have entered the Medina by its southerly gate, you can discover the delights of its 'souq' or covered bazaars. You could also visit the museum (Dar Essid) which gives a good impression of upper-class traditional Tunisian life. The rooftop cafe affords great views across the city. The Great Mosque radiates peace, due to its rather severe Aghlabite style.

Conservation was the inspiration behind the creation of Ichkeul National Park. A wetland, containing a lake and marshland offers and astonishing diversity of ecosystems. The park is home to a wide variety of bird life, flora and fauna. These include pink flamingos, storks, ducks, coots and geese as well as the perhaps more unusual shovellers, pochards and widgeons. 400 species of plant thrive in this environment as well as water buffalo, wild boar and otters. A large number of different fish also live in the National Park, as varied as seahorses, sea bass, eel and anchovy.

Kerkouane includes its famous Necropolis or 'city of the dead' which lies to the North West. This burial ground was discovered by accident by a local teacher in 1929. Unfortunately he sold many of the treasures he found there. Luckily much valuable treasure was rescued from the site, including some rare perfume flasks. This unique Phoenicio-Punic city (a UNESCO site since 1985) consists of vaults and tombs among which were discovered a rare carving of the ancient goddess of the dead.

Kairouan is known as the Islamic Cultural Capital. Since its foundation in the 7th century it became an important centre for Koranic study. It is considered to be Islam's fourth holiest city and the Mosque of Uqba is situated here.

Conservation inspired the creation of Ichkeul National Park. This wetland offers an astonishing diversity of ecosystems. The park is home to many birds, 400 plants species, as well as animals and fish. Ducks such as shovellers, pochards and widgeons share the terrain with buffalo, wild boar and otters.

The site of Dougga/Thugga, situated in North West Tunisia, records more than 17 centuries in the ruins of a complete city. The site integrates several cultural styles: Numidian, Punic, Hellenistic and Roman, reflected in both public and private buildings: temples (dedicated to the Roman gods), a circus, baths, a theatre, a market, fountains, shops and houses.


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