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Updated by Joanna James on Mar 16, 2024
Headline for List of World Heritage Sites in Tunisia – The forgotten past of North Africa
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Joanna James Joanna James
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List of World Heritage Sites in Tunisia – The forgotten past of North Africa

Tunisia is a meeting place of different worlds, resting on the shores of the Mediterranean this age-old nation was home to empires that have come and gone. Here is where the cultures of Arabia, Africa and Europe meet.

1

The archaeological site of Carthage

Carthage was an ancient trading empire spread out across the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The city of Carthage dates back as far as the 9th Century BCE and lasted till 146 CE until it was destroyed in the Punic Wars by the Romans but was rebuilt again over the years. A stay at The Residence Tunis by Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts is must if you plan to visit Carthage; it is everything you'd expect from this exotic nation. A hotel, Tunis is definitely proud of.

2

Dougga/Thugga

Dougga was once the capital of the Libyan/Punic state that existed in ancient times. The city thrived under different rulers over the centuries including the Romans and the Byzantines but later fell in to decline as the region was occupied by the Islamic conquerors.

3

Amphitheatre of El Jem

This is the largest amphitheatre in the world outside of Italy. This giant venue is said to have had the capacity to seat over 35,000 people. It was built in the 3rd century BCE and its ruins stand monument to the great feats of architecture accomplished by the Romans far back in antiquity.

4

Ichkeul National Park

The lake Ichkeul and the surrounding wetlands are protected as a nature reserve as this region attracts flocks in the thousands of migrating birds including Storks, Ducks, Geese and Pink Flamingos. This lake was once part of a far greater chain of lakes that spread across North Africa.

5

Kairouan

The Mosque of Uqba and the Mosque of the Three Gates are a few of this once great capital of Ifriqiya; a region encompassing modern-day Tunisia, Tripolitania and Constantinos. The City was first established in 670 CE and flourished till the 9th century.

6

Medina of Sousse

This town is a quintessential example of an Islamic township during the period around the 9th Century when the Islamic influence in the region was reaching a zenith.

7

Medina of Tunis

A standing testament to the golden age of Tunisia which lasted from the 12th century to the 14th century, the Medina of Tunis is home to over 700 monuments including mosques, mausoleums, palaces, madrasah and fountains. The history preserved within this township is staggering and is still an awe-inspiring place. The Islamic influence is clearly evident as well as the remnant of fading Rome.

8

Punic Town of Kerkuane and its necropolis

This ancient site was abandoned in 250BCE during the First Punic War and unlike Carthage was never rebuilt. Kirkland is one of the last if not the last remaining example of a Phoenicia-Punic settlement.
There many more heritage sites dotting the Tunisian landscape; El Friedja National Park, Bou-Hedma National Park, Chott El Jerid and Oasis De Gabe's are few worth mentioning.