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The roots of Tunis are said to date back as far as the second millennium BC, although the town was destroyed along with Carthage by the Romans in 146 BC.
It was eventually rebuilt, but only rose to prominence with the arrival of the Muslims in the seventh century, at which time its medina was built.
History and influence
Standing as a relatively opulent city in the Middle East for centuries, boosted by its Mediterranean location, Tunis sat in the hands of many rulers, and was exposed to some diverse influences.
Various Muslim dynasties governed Tunis, and it became a part of the Ottoman Empire in the sixteenth century.
In 1881, control was then assumed by the French, the effects of whose colonial rule can be seen in some of the architecture, particularly around Avenue Habib Bourguiba, where the theater and the Embassy buildings are a reminder of the times before Tunisian independence.
Tunis culture
Modern day Tunis embraces a clutch of styles, and its people reflect this in equal measure.
On the main boulevard sit numerous cafés with outdoor seating from which locals often while away time watching the world pass, while just half a mile from this Parisian part of the city one encounters the Medina of Tunis, wherein many live their lives similar to the ways their ancestors might have done over a thousand years before.
who's been there
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Places near Tunis
- Carthage 15 kilometers away
- Sidi Bou Said 17 kilometers away
- Thuburbo Majus 51 kilometers away
- Dougga 96 kilometers away
- Kairouan 126 kilometers away
- Tabarka 128 kilometers away
- Bulla Regia 133 kilometers away
- El Jem 175 kilometers away
- Tamerza 337 kilometers away
- Jerba 342 kilometers away
- Tozeur 371 kilometers away
- Ksar Ghilane 429 kilometers away
Photos of Tunis
Accommodation choices for Tunis
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Tunis. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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The Residence
Tunis -
Dar el Medina
Tunis
Ideas for experiencing Tunis
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Tunis, and which use the best local guides.
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The Bardo Museum The Bardo Museum
The Bardo Museum
Tunisia's most celebrated museum exudes history throughout. The inside of the museum is famous primarily for its vast and unparalleled collection of mosaics, gathered from the floors of Tunisia's Roman sites and carefully arranged in the rooms.
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Carthage City Tour Carthage City Tour
Carthage City Tour
One of the best ways to begin a visit to Carthage is to take a view of it from on high. The Byrsa Hill looks out over the whole city and the vista extends to the mountains of the Cap Bon beyond the Gulf of Tunis.
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Tunis Medina Tour Tunis Medina Tour
Tunis Medina Tour
Medina comes from the Arabic word for city, and it refers to the old quarter of Tunis. Your first entry to the Medina of Tunis will most likely come through the Bab Bahr at Place de la Victoire, the Gate into the medina from Avenue Bourguiba.
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Sidi Bou Said Sidi Bou Said
Sidi Bou Said
The strong and consistent colors of the buildings, pure whites and blues complemented by the turquoise sea, are simply beautiful, while the narrow, winding cobbled streets all add to the charm of the village.
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Dougga & Bulla Regia Excursion Dougga & Bulla Regia Excursion
Dougga & Bulla Regia Excursion
While some might argue that Tunisia does not possess a stunning draw, such as the Pyramids of Giza, or the ancient city of Petra, there is little doubt that Dougga is the pinnacle of the Roman presence in Tunisia, and looks out majestically over the hills.
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