Gorgeous Unknown

Did you know the world’s 3rd largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheater is in Africa? Back in the 2nd century, when the El Jem amphitheater was built, its city, Thysdrus, was the second most significant Roman city in Africa (after Carthage). It was a wealthy, agricultural city, with lavish villas and this grand amphitheater. El Jem amphitheater, also called El Djem, is so large, it’s visible for miles, dwarfing the buildings clustered around it. And, since few people visit, this well-preserved UNESCO Heritage Site can be explored without all the chaos of other major tourist sites.

Sidi Bou Said is endlessly charming, the perfect place to stay and relax for a few days in Tunisia. This cliffside village is known for its lovely whitewashed houses with arched cobalt doors, iron-grilled windows, and carved wooden balconies draped in bougainvillea, all overlooking the glittering Mediterranean. This is where the wealthy citizens of Tunis built their summer residences. The Moorish-influenced architecture and narrow, winding lanes evoke daily life from the late 18th and 19th centuries. You can explore, visit houses that are now museums, try some Tunisian food and drink mint tea at one of its many cafes. On top of this, the nearby coastal ruins of Carthage add…

Discover the ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled on the coast of the Mediterranean in modern-day Tunisia. This remarkable site reveals the stories of one of the most formidable powers of the ancient world, the Phoenicians, and later, of Roman Carthage, which was built after the Romans defeated the Phoenicians and destroyed the city. This post covers the ruins of ancient Carthage, how to get here, what to expect, and tips.

Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, is a fascinating travel destination, steeped in rich history. It’s located near the ancient city of Carthage, which was once a powerful Phoenician stronghold that rivaled Rome. Centuries later, Tunis rose to become one of the wealthiest cities in the Islamic and Arab world, a major Mediterranean trading hub. It also has a diverse cultural heritage, including the indigenous Berbers, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, French colonials, and Italians. Today it offers visitors a Medina that dates back to the 7th century, filled with narrow alleys and souks, the ruins of nearby Carthage, which dates back to the 9th century BCE, museums with artifacts from around…