Foto: A market vendor in the medina (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
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 that characterize some other Tunisian medinas. It is a place where history, culture, and daily life naturally come together. Surrounded by impressive city walls with imposing gates such as Bab Diwan and Bab Jebli, the medina exudes an atmosphere of tradition and authenticity. Within the walls unfolds a maze of narrow streets and alleys, lined with whitewashed houses featuring decorative wooden doors. The layout of the medina reflects smart urban planning, with a clear distinction between residential areas, craft workshops, and markets. The souks of the medina are the beating heart of this historic district, where the scents of spices, leather goods, fresh produce, and traditional dishes mingle, while the sounds of bargaining and daily life keep the atmosphere lively. Visitors can find handcrafted items such as jewelry, textiles, copperware, and typical Tunisian delicacies. The medina also houses historical monuments, including the Great Mosque of Sfax, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture with a square minaret and refined decorations. In addition to religious buildings, there are traditional hammams and old fondouks (caravanserais) offering a glimpse into the city’s trading past. Unlike many other medinas, Sfax’s remains a vibrant center of local life, where residents live, work, and gather, giving visitors an authentic picture of Tunisia’s rich culture and dynamics. The medina of Sfax is a living museum and a colorful gateway to the past.
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 Capitolium of Dougga
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 ...
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 ...