Tunisia Holiday Guide
Tunisia, a land of ancient history and modern hotels, restaurants and international airports offers a perfect destination for a weary holiday traveler. You will be entranced by its history, friendliness, fabulous restaurants and hotels.
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. Today’s Tunisian culture is a mosaic of all of these cultures that have gone before.
Tunisia’s 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 it’s now a an amazing example of 17th and 18th century Arab architecture and interior décor. It boasts vaulted ceilings, galleries and cupolas. It also houses the finest collection of mosaics in the world! The Carthage Museum houses a fine collection of Punic and Roman artifacts including everyday items. Don’t pass the lovely jewelry display by or the distinctive Punic masks made of colored glass paste. The main ruins of Punic Carthage are also in this area. Suffice to say that the area surrounding the Carthage Museum is ripe with historical significance and is a history buff’s dream.
The Dar Ben Abdallah Museum of Traditional Arts and Customs, in Tunis, can be found on the ground floor of the 18th century Dar Ben Abdallah Palace. It is in the medina, the center of old Tunis. This museum is famed for its displays of traditional Tunisian arts as well as its exhibits of the customs of the city of Tunis. Most museums in Tunisia are closed on Mondays. Tunisia is known for its festivals. You may plan your holiday around a Tunisian festival during most times of the year. Every small village sets aside time for at least one festival. Visitors are welcome. If you are fascinated by the Sahara desert, the Saharian Festival is for you. You will find it in Douz, the “gateway to the Sahara.” The Saharian Festival occurs in 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. The meat eaten most often in Tunisian homes is lamb. Seafood is abundant, due to Tunisia’s long Mediterranean coastline and Tunisia’s olive oil and produce is delicious. Tunisians use all sorts of herbs and spices for cooking, including cumin, coriander, parsley, dried peppers, and garlic. They prefer their food hot and spicy, but in deference to tourists’ tastes, usually serve their favorite spicy condiment, harissa, as a side dish.
Visit Tunisia for its arts, culture, history, food and for a fabulous holiday!
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