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Find a Great Tourist Gem at El Djem, Tunisia

Published by Vanessa Boiser

Country: Tunisia

The Experience

If you're looking for a wondrous archaeological adventure, then El Djem in Tunisia is the right place for you. Situated at the northern most part of Africa, Tunisia’s colourful history is only be matched by the intricate fabric that is widely knitted and crocheted here. Tunisia was settled by Phoenicians and once ruled by the infamous historical character Hannibal. Later, its great city of Carthage was the site of Three Punic Wars between the Phoenicians and the great Roman Empire. Tunisia also became one of the conquests of the Arabs, the Turks, and later by the French.

Tunisia is a great country of diverse culture, possibly nowhere better portrayed then at El Djem amphitheater in the heart of this small town. The El Djem colosseum is quite similar to the Great Colosseum in Rome, although smaller, but in much better condition. The El Djem amphitheatre is one of the many legacies of the Roman Empire’s rule in Tunisia. A visit to the amphitheatre of El Djem is never complete without climbing to the very top. Tourists are awed by the simplistic view of the desert, and a steady stream of tourists come and visit El Djem to experience not only the amphitheatre but also to experience the different sights, sounds, smells and colours of El Djem.

For somebody who is accustomed to the lights and sounds of Paris, Tokyo and New York, El Djem is exactly the opposite experience of that. For the most part, it is still covered with sand, and the rest of the archaeological site is still waiting to be excavated. The rest of the town, however, already has a modern touch to it with different colours and flavours waiting to be explored. Arabic and Moroccan cuisine greets unsuspecting tourists, and just like the rest of Tunisia, the influence of its conquerors can be felt, seen and tasted all over the country.

You can also visit an archaeological museum in El Djem that houses Roman artifacts such as oil lamps, terracotta, coins, and a lot more. El Djem is a fairly small town, and practically everything can be reached by foot. But if you are coming from Tunis and other Tunisian towns, you may take an early train, rent a car or possibly travel by bus. A bit of a heads-up: El Djem’s market peddlers can be very “persuasive” most of the time. Just hang on to your valuables and don’t be pressured to buy anything that you don’t like.

If you are the type to visit beaches and just lay around in sun and sand, then Tunisia is a great place for you. White sand beaches and five star Tunisia hotels are all over. It is on par with the Caribbean, Mexico and Thailand when it comes to spectacular beach attractions. Because of its fairly warm weather all year round, tourists from Europe, particularly in the Scandinavian region, flock to the beaches of Tunisia.

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When to Go to El Djem

The best time of year to visit El Djem is from November to April because the weather is warm and pleasant. It is during this time that the desert heat is over, and the gentle winter wind is just about to start. During December to February, it is advisable to bring a jacket. From March to April (and May if the climate is cooperative) the weather is at its most glorious.

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Language Guides

French , Italian are some of the languages spoken in Tunisia. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!


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