Tunisia may be the smallest country in North Africa but it truly compensates for this with its diverse cultural background. Traces of past invaders can be found throughout Tunisia, one being the city of Carthage. Legend proclaims it was founded in 814 BC by Phoenician colonists. The city was also ruled by the Romans and remained one of the most influential Roman cities until the Muslim conquest when it was sacked a second time in AD 698.
During the Arabic era which began during the 7th century, huge walled cities with maze like streets were erected. These market towns (Medina’s) often contain historical fountains, palaces, and mosques making them eminently popular with tourists. The French also left behind some rather exquisite architecture including some very beautiful colonial boulevards.
To the north of the country where the land is more fertile, beautiful forests and woodland are punctuated by beguiling mountains. On the coastline of Tunisia you will find the most alluring and stunning beaches to be found on the Mediterranean. Just off the east coast of Tunisia is the Island of Djerba where the filming of the exterior scenes of Mos Eisley were shot in the town of Ajim for the film Star Wars. You can see why George Lucas chose Tunisia for his film, some of the buildings look not of this world.
Another great draw for Star Wars fans is the alien Berber architecture habitat that can be found in the south, this is where the filming of Luke Skywalkers home on Tatooine was filmed. This wonderful cave dwelling is now a hotel that can be visited at a reasonable price, it truly is out of this world. Tunisia’s Sahara desert also had a starring role in the late Anthony Minghella’s English Patient.
For an adventure in the Sahara why not jump on a quad bike or better still a humped backed beast, that’s a camel not a whale by the way, first make sure your travel insurance is up to date and then head out across the sea of dunes. Dune skiing is a big favourite with tourists and there’s no chance of frost bite but sand can be a problem when it gets in to places it shouldn’t. Overall Tunisia is a fantastic country to visit with a wonderful climate that rarely dips below 20 degrees centigrade. Go visit now and may the force be with you.
