Tunisia, in northeastern Africa is a beautiful country to visit: a country of spices and flowers, ancient history, friendliness, wonderful hotels, restaurants and first class airports.
Tunisia has a mild and scenic coastline and a perfect climate. The Mediterranean makes up its northern, and part of its eastern border. Libya is also to the east and south, and Algeria is to the west. In the over 3000 years of its existence, this country has seen many civilizations pass through and leave their marks: the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French. Todays Tunisian culture is a mosaic of all of these cultures that have gone before.
Tunisias long and colorful history is preserved in the many hundreds of historical sites and museums that dot the country. The enormous National Museum of Bardo (near Tunis) was a 13th century palace and has been expanded over time so that its now a an amazing example of 17th and 18th century Arab architecture and interior d©cor. It boasts vaulted ceilings, galleries and cupolas. It also houses the finest collection of mosaics in the world! The Carthage Museum is famed for its excellent collection of Roman and Punic artifacts, including items that would have been used in everyday life. The extensive display of jewelry must not be missed. There is also an extremely distinctive display of Punic masks made of colored glass paste.
The Dar Ben Abdallah Museum of Traditional Arts and Customs, in Tunis, is housed on the bottom floor of the 18th century palace of the same name. It is the center of the old city of Tunis, the medina. This museum offers traditional Tunisian arts and exhibits traditional customs of the city of Tunis in a traditional setting. Keep in mind that most museums in Tunisia are closed on Mondays. Tunisia is a land of festivals. Every city and village, no matter how large or small, hosts festivals to which visitors are welcome. The Saharian Festival celebrates the vast expanses of the Sahara. It is in Douz and occurs during the second week of November. All classical music fans would love to see the International Music Festival at the El Jem Coliseum from mid-July through mid-August. It features world renowned arts and orchestras. All performances take place on soft Tunisian evenings under the starts in a Roman Coliseum!
Tunisians depend on bread, the staff of life, at every meal. In the city you will find breads from all over the world. In country villages bread is most often unleavened and baked in clay ovens called Tabounas. Every place you visit in Tunisia will offer its own bread specialties. Lamb is the Tunisians meat of choice. Due to its long coastline, there is also a plethora of seafood and olive oil, salads and all sorts of herbs and spices including cumin, coriander, garlic, parsley, and dried peppers enhance the flavor of Tunisian food. Tunisians love hot and spicy food but often serve their signature spicy condiment, Harissa, as a side dish for tourists who arent up to the hot food. Dont pass up dessert. Turkish Baklava, a confection made of layers of crispy pastry, ground nuts and cinnamon and soaked in honey syrup is too good to miss.
Visit Tunisia for its arts, culture, history, food and for a fabulous holiday!
More : Tunisia Holidays
