Foto: One of the temples of the Capitol (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Tunisia - Dougga, located in northern Tunisia, is one of the best-preserved Roman towns in North Africa and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. The city, originally known as Thugga, was initially a Berber settlement before coming under Roman influence in the 2nd century BC. Dougga is situated on a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, giving the town both strategic and aesthetic significance. The city covered about 70 hectares and was a prosperous center during Roman times. It is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, which provide a fascinating insight into the life and culture of that era. The main monuments include the imposing Capitolium, a temple dedicated to the gods Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, which still dominates Dougga’s skyline. Other highlights are the theater, which could seat approximately 3,500 spectators, and the Temple of Saturn, built atop an older Punic temple. Additionally, there are impressive remains of thermal baths, villas with mosaics, a triumphal arch, and a marketplace. A unique feature of Dougga is the Licinian Bath, a rare example of a private bath from antiquity. The city also houses the Mausoleum of Ateban, a striking Berber monument reflecting the region’s pre-Roman history. Dougga beautifully combines Roman architecture with local and Punic influences, giving it a rich cultural layering. Today, it attracts thousands of visitors fascinated by its beauty, history, and archaeological significance.
Mos Espa the Star Wars filming location
Tunisia - The Mos Espa set in Tunisia is an iconic film location used for the Star Wars prequels, notably The Phantom Menace (1999) and Attack of the Clones (2002). Located in the vast Ong Jmel desert near Nefta in southwestern Tunisia, the site is known as the ...
The amphitheater of El Djem
Tunisia - The amphitheater of El Djem, located in the eponymous town in eastern Tunisia, is one of the most impressive remnants of Roman antiquity in North Africa. This monument, built in the 3rd century AD, reflects the grandeur of the Roman Empire and has been ...
The Medina of Sfax
Tunisia - The medina of Sfax, located in the heart of the city of Sfax in Tunisia, is one of the best-preserved historic city centers in the country. Built in 849 AD, this medina offers an authentic and lively experience, free from the large-scale tourist influences ...
The Mosque of Sidi Okba in Kairouan
Tunisia - The Great Mosque of Kairouan, also known as the Mosque of Sidi Okba, is one of the most prominent and oldest Islamic monuments in the world. Located in the city of Kairouan in central Tunisia, the mosque was originally founded in 670 AD by the Arab general ...
The mountain oasis of Chebika
Tunisia - The mountain oasis of Chebika, located at the edge of the Atlas Mountains in southwestern Tunisia, is an enchanting oasis known for its spectacular natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Once a Roman fort and later a Berber village, Chebika is often referred ...
The white houses of Djerba
Tunisia - Djerba is a Tunisian island located east of the mainland in the Gulf of Gabès in the Mediterranean Sea. The island’s capital is Houmt Souk, situated on the northern coast. Djerba is the largest island of Tunisia and is connected to the mainland by ...