Monuments to visit East Coast

It is the largest Roman building in the country, registered on the Unesco World Heritage list: a must-see site! The amphitheater of El Jem is an exceptional testimony of the Roman architecture, in particular that of the monuments built for show purposes, in Africa. This amphitheater, built entirely of stone, is neither dug nor leaning against a hill. It is based on the model of the Colosseum in Rome, but it is not a simple copy of the Flavian building. Its dimensions (large axis of 148 m and small axis of 122 m) and its capacity (estimated at 35 000 spectators) classify it unquestionably among the largest amphitheatres of the world. Its facade has three floors of arcades in Corinthian or composite style. Inside, the monument has retained most of the infrastructure supporting the stands. The podium wall, the arena and the underground passages are practically intact. This architectural and artistic work, erected around 238 AD, is an important milestone in the understanding of the history of Roman Africa. The amphitheater of El Jem also testifies to the prosperity of the small city of Thysdrus (the present El Jem) during the Roman Empire.

Street vendors are numerous on the spot. Once in the amphitheater, you can take a tour with a guide or just walk around. You will be asked for an extra dinar to take pictures. At the exit (which is also the entrance), a small souvenir store.

The ribat, on which a large paved square opens, dates back to the 8th century. Designed for military purposes, but also for religious studies, it presents a sober architecture with small cells distributed around an interior courtyard. Dominated by a nador and several towers at each corner, it also includes a prayer room. The whole is in good condition. From the top of the ribat, superb view on the city and on the courtyard of the great mosque! Even if this ribat is smaller than the one of Monastir, it remains charming despite everything!

Located on the seaside, the medina of Hammamet is a beautiful set of alleys where it is good to stroll. It is surrounded by ramparts, pierced by three entrances. Even if the medina is occupied by many "tourist" stores, you can find peace and quiet by going deeper into the alleys. You will be surprised by the bright whiteness of its houses, by beautiful doors painted with bright colors or by scenes of daily life. Located west of the medina, the fort was built in 1474. Don't hesitate to go up to enjoy the view!

This fort is a citadel built on a rocky promontory of 150 m which dominates the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Kélibia. The citadel was built in the 16th century but its oldest parts date back to the Punic and Roman periods. Its high ramparts protect the city under the reign of the Spaniards and the Turks. The view is breathtaking: it offers a panorama embracing the port, the village and the sandy beaches and up to the coast of Sicily. Take advantage of the view to sip a mint tea at the Café du Fort: a nice moment of relaxation.

Listed since 1988 as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the medina of Sousse is considered a typical example of the cities of the first centuries of Islam in the Maghreb. It retains its kasbah and its ramparts but also its Great Mosque, its ribat and the mosque Bou Ftata, a military and religious building. On the tower of Khalef is also a lighthouse since 1890. Without any doubt, you will go up and down its numerous alleys to discover the monuments of great importance which are still there today.