Around Carthage and Sidi Bou Said

Carthage is built on what is certainly one of the most beautiful sites of the Mediterranean. Even today, visitors are fascinated by the bay with its turquoise reflections, the white houses surrounded by cypress trees, and the distant silhouette of Mount Boukornine standing out against the mist. Discover fragments of history by accident in the streets of modern Carthage: the remains of the basilica of Saint Cyprien overlooking the sea, the Carthaginian houses of the Magon quarter, the Punic ports where a striking serenity reigns… Then climb the narrow paved streets of the famous neighbouring village, Sidi Bou Said, between blue mashrabiya latticework, pink bougainvillea and wrought iron filigree. Contemplate the stunning seascape from the Sidi Chabaane cafe, the lighthouse or the old cemetery. Several artists have chosen to live in this inspiring village. Close by, La Marsa and its seafront, Gammarth and its long beaches both attract the locals of Tunis searching for a place to relax.

Former choice holiday destination for the Tunisian bourgeois and the Bey’s family, the Coasts of Carthage are of the most well-reputed regions of Tunisia for gastronomy. The authentic culinary traditions of the capital still take pride of place. Taste for example, the kabkabou, fish stewed with olives and preserved lemon. To start, try the Tunisian tajine – a thick omelette with vegetables and cheese, similar to the Spanish tortilla – and the mechouia salad – grilled and crushed tomatoes and peppers. In Sidi Bou Said, Carthage or La Marsa, the choice of restaurants is wide. You can taste traditional Tunisian recipes in a palatial Ottoman setting, inventive Mediterranean cuisine in a chic restaurant overlooking the sea, snacks served with cocktails in a trendy bar, or hearty Italian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. When visiting Sidi Bou Said, treat yourself to a bambalouni, a large warm doughnut in the shame of a ring, then drink a mint and pine nut tea in the famous Cafe des Nattes.

Carthage was founded by the Phoenician Queen Elyssa, known today by the name of Dido. One of the most powerful metropolises of the ancient era, its empire stretched as far as Sardinia and Spain. Longtime rivals of the Greeks, the Carthaginians (also known as the Punics) were excellent navigators, traders and expert farmers. But despite the victories of the famed general Hannibal, the Romans conquered Carthage and made it one of the most opulent cities of their empire. Later still, St Augustine, one of the Fathers of the Western Church, studied there. In the museum of Carthage, you will be introduced to the Punic civilisation: a statue of the god Baal seated on his throne, terracotta masks, engraved stone slabs showing the mysterious “sign of Tanit”. On the site itself, you will see the ancient Punic interior ports, ruins of houses, and the sanctuary known as Tophet. As for the numerous Roman ruins, they are evidence of exceptional elegance.