Tunis
Tunis is the capital of Tunisia. Its medina has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Walk through Bab el Bhar, the old sea gate, and a few steps later you are deep in its alleys.
The Zitouna Mosque
At the centre of the medina is the Zitouna Mosque. Its name comes from the Arabic word for olive tree. It dates from the 8th century and for a long time was also one of the most important places of learning in the Islamic world.
The souks
The souks around the mosque used to be strictly organised by trade. Souk el Attarine, the perfumers’ market, still sells fragrance oils and essences.
In Souk ech Chaouachia they make chechias, the red felt caps that are part of traditional dress in Tunisia.
Beyond the sea gate
On the other side of Bab el Bhar the new town begins. Its main street is Avenue Habib Bourguiba, lined with cafés and with a tree-lined promenade down the middle.