TUNISIA
GEOGRAPHY
Tunisia, at the northernmost bulge of Africa, plunges out toward Sicily to mark the division between the eastern and western Mediterranean Sea.
HISTORY
Tunisia was settled by the Phoenicians in the 12th century B.C. By the 6th and 5th centuries B.C., the great city-state of Carthage (derived from the Phoenician name for “new city”) conquered much of the western Mediterranean. The three Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage led to the total destruction of Carthage by 146 B.C.
Aware of their rich historical heritage, Tunisian people show a authentic interest and definite respect for others as evidenced in their moderation, tolerance and hospitality.
Tunisians are swift to give directions and any form of assistance to the visitor who asks for help. The overpowering majority speak Arabic and French. With current education, English is taught today in all schools and is increasingly spoken especially by younger people.
PLACES TO VISIT
Lying in the north-western part of Tunisia is Bulla Regia a prominent Roman city. Situated close to the modern city Jendouba, Bulla Regia is renowned for semi-subterranean houses belonging to the Hadrianic period. Though, the first floors of these houses were destroyed in an earthquake. Still Bulla Regia has structures like Basilicas, Temples, Baths, Villas and many more which exhibit the exclusive architecture of the region.
On the northern side of the Maison du Trésor in Bulla Regia, you can discover two Christian Basilicas of the 6th century. These two Basilicas are well sealed and are well connected with each other. Both of the two features marble column and mosaics of fishes and birds.
Lying just south of the Maison de la Pêche in Bulla Regia is the Forum which is the biggest public residences of Bulla Regia. The Forum has the Capitol and the temple of Apollo.
House of the Fishing Scene Maison de la Pêche is attributed of being the best preserved residence in Bulla Regia. House of the Fishing Scene which lies on the other side of the Oum el Abid has its basement well-conserved. There are various columns which run in the inner courtyard. The arched gallery has a number of broken rooms which open off it. The mosaics that are found in the house exemplify cupid and duck fishing in the sea.
Maison de la Nouvelle Chasse which is also known as the House of the New Hunt which is situated on the north of Maison de la Chasse in Bulla Regia. Found in the year 1972, the building features a dining room which has a stunning mosaic. Later, it was used as a funeral place.
The Maison du Trésor in Bulla Regia has derived its name from the huge treasure of silver found here. The basement of the building has statistical mosaic which is well-preserved.
After passing through the Maison de la Pêche, south to the Maison d’Amphitrite in Bulla Regia, you will discover to the left the constitution of Nymphaeum which was a water fountain. The fountain still runs but has been restructured with some new installations.
Temple of Apollo can be located in the northern area of Bulla Regia featuring a forecourt and a cella. It also featured the statues of Apollo, Ceres and Aesculapius which were imprinted out of marble. These marble statues are there in the Bardo Museum in Tunis.
Thuburbo Majus which was known as Colonia Julia Aurelia Commoda in the Roman times is situated on the north of Tunisia. It was at first a Punic town which lies 60 Km southwest of Carthage. Later it was made by Augustus in 27 BC and it became an important trade. During the excavation in this district, numerous Roman ruins were found like the Roman Capitol, Forum, Baths and theaters, which are worth watching on your visit to Thuburbo Majus.
The Forum in Thuburbo Majus which measures 49 meter is a square building with a paved area was constructed between 161 and 192 A.D. The pavement has its three sides featuring a Corinthian portico which has the records emblazoned in it. The writing tells about the period of construction and renovation of the Forum. It was reinstated in 376 A.D.
Ksar Lemsa in Thuburbo Majus is a Byzantine fortress which was built on Roma settlements. Built in between 560 A.D. and 600 A.D., Ksar Lemsa is the the majority well-preserved fortress in Tunisia. The fortress which lies 42 Km away south of Thuburbo Majus which is square in plan has towers on each corner.
The ancient market of Thuburbo Majus which was built in the later-half of the 2nd century and in the early-half of the 3rd century has three courtyards, two of which were pillared. The courtyard without pillars had shops on all three sides.
You can discover the Temple on the north-east corner of the Forum. The Temple of Peace in Thuburbo Majus has a large square with pillars all around. Ahead of it is a minor cella.
Chott el Djerid, the position for the film Star War series, is the largest salt pan of Sahara. Located in the southern Tunisia, it has many picturesque oases to visit like the oases of Tamerza, Chebika, Midès, Kebili, Douz and Bled el Djerid. If visiting in the month of December, you will be lucky to participate in the Sahara Festival.
Nefzaoua oases stretch out towards the south-east of the Chott and the major oases- Kebili and Douz are a part of it. Kebili is located on the eastern side of the Chott and is one of the largest desert oases. The village which is considered to be the gateway to the Sahara Desert commemorates the Sahara Festival in the month of December. Douz is the largest oasis on the western side of Tunisia where you can get pleasure from the weekly Thursday markets dealing in animal-stock, carpets and camels.
Kerkennah Islands is a set of islands in the Gulf of Gabes of Tunisia with main islands being Chergui and Gharbi. situated on the eastern coast of Tunisia, the main town of Kerkennah Islands is Remla. The Kerkennah Islands although is not much popular among tourists, still has many sandy beaches to explore and relax.
TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION
Getting around the island of Tunisia is not complicated once you understand the basics. It may seem perplexing at first, trying to figure out the system. Once you understand the basics you will understand that the public transportation system in Tunisia is quite efficient and it is very affordable. With the many forms of public transportation including taxis, busses, motorcycles, public cars, guaguas, the new subway named Metro, horse and of course those good ole feet, here is constantly a way to get to where you want to go.
The large busses that take you across country are full size modern vehicles equipped with air conditioning. Most have on board movies and are quite relaxed as busses go. The Express Bus are busses that will take you over the entire island. They are not in the best shape and riding one can be perplexing. The bus stop region is on Revelos Street in front of Enriquillo Park, area because there is no office or station.
Taxis can be found on the majority city streets. The safest night time travel is by a taxi straight to your destination. One thing that you should try to remember for your own safety’s sake is to ask the driver for his taxi number and remember it or write it down. So if he does not have a number you may not want to take the ride and if there is any problem you will be able to give the driver information to the proper authorities. Also, if you know the person he will be more likely to go out of his way to make certain you are safe.
For a perfect blend of luxury and affordability one can turn to the hotels that are affordable yet very comfortable. A lot of this type of hotels can en found in and around the city. The room amenities and hotel services of these hotels include wide range of services that one could demand during a stay.
Most accommodations with the dining facility have a bar attached to it. More than often international cuisines along with hot and cold beverages are served here. The restaurants are famous for fine dining at its best with loads of leisure and entertainment activities.
CONCLUSION
The people of this place are very friendly. You will feel at home at any part of the country. The accommodation and transport facilities are very good and provide convenience for all tourists as well as for the natives of the region. Hotels and resorts are found in plenty and in every place so that is convenient for people who are visiting the place for the first time.
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