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Rue Nevers. Hammamet. 8050
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www.barcelohammamet.com
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Tunisia is a Mediterranean country on the north coast of Africa, with Tunis as its capital city. The Sahara desert accounts for some 40% of its area, while the rest is fertile land, ideal for agriculture. It also has 1,300 kilometres of coastline featuring a host of small islands in the sea. Just 130 km separates Tunisia from Sicily. During the Second World War, Tunisia was one of the French colonies that remained loyal to the pro-German Vichy government, and German troops entrenched themselves there, only to be captured. Tunisia was to continue under French colonial control after the war, with independence coming in 1956.
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 The Desert. A febrile landscape in which everything seems to disappear into the blinding light. Explore villages clinging to slopes or dug deep out of the earth. Dream of finding a lost oasis. This is the magical Tunisia. |
| The Kerkenah Islands. A privileged spot for all opting for diving in the crystal-clear waters and contemplating the areas featuring coral formations, octopuses, sponges... a good place for fishing. |
| Thermal waters. There are around 100 thermal centres dotted around Tunisia, mainly in the north of the country. Many of the mineral-water springs were used for that purpose back in Roman and Punic times. |
| The Tozeur Festival of the Oases. This Folk-tradition Festival is held towards the end of the year. The traditional parades, folk dances and music sweep us away into a magical dream world in which expert riders strive to become the champions on the backs of their sturdy camels. |
| Bulla Regia. An underground city built to get away from the heat. It was here that St. Augustine delivered his famous sermon during the Byzantine age. |
| Dougga. A citadel and cultural centre in the former Roman Empire. The town has everything from Roman houses to a Roman Theatre holding 3,500 people. Its religious leanings can still be seen in the Temples to Minerva, Mercury, Concordia and Tellus. Standing out in the town's civil architecture are the Capitol, the hippodrome and the villas. |
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As in other branches of Mediterranean cuisine, Tunisian fare blends delicious flavours into a balanced diet. The natural kitchen equipment employed, the high quality of the produce and cooking methods that preserve the ingredient’s flavours make Tunisian cuisines a natural pleasure.
Owing to its central location in the Mediterranean area, the food is a synthesis of local elements and contributions from other places.
Couscous is the best-known traditional dish. The customary midday meal on Fridays, it is made from steamed semolina and served with vegetables, meat or fish.
Tagine, a ragout of meat, chicken or fish served with stewed vegetables. Like couscous, all kinds of combinations are possible. Stemming from the traditions of the Jewish community, Tunisian cuisine is based on using olive oil and spices for cooking.
Snails, a little delight with a growing reputation. Remains of prehistoric snail farms have been found. Each region has its own specialities: fish soup "à la sfaxienne", rice "à la djerbienne", couscous with Sidi Bouzid lamb....
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"Souks" or markets: in these the richest and most varied craftwork is to be found, along with scents and excellent natural products. The hallmark of the country are its marvellous Tunisian carpets, of excellent quality and available in many different designs. Among these, the Kairaoun (knot-work carpet) is the country’s flagship carpet.
Pottery is another of Tunis’ most representative products. There are two major centres: Nabeul, where the ceramics are lead-glazed, and the Isle of Djerba, drawing on an older tradition featuring Berber designs, in a rustic, simple style.
Basketwork, particularly the kind found in the various oases of Nabeul, Gafsa and Gabes, is much sought after.
Copper craftwork Great variety and long tradition backs the engraved-copper craftwork, copper being one of the most widely worked metals in Tunisia. The streets in the market areas resound to the hammering from the many craft workshops located there.
Jewellery Bearing witness to the area’s Hebrew tradition, the gold and silver jewellery of the Isle of Djerba stands out, along with the sculptures made out of coral.
Embroidered fabrics made with gold and silver thread in Mahdia, traditional costumes in Sfax, elegant white and blue bird cages in Sidi Bou Said, wrought iron in Bizerte and the haoulis blankets and ferrachias in Gafsa are other traditional creations not to be missed. |
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