Tunisia Sights and Monuments:
Tunisia is one of the oldest countries in the world and as such offers a wealth of historic and important monuments, buildings and locations for visitors to experience. For those wishing to plan a historical holiday, cheap holidays in Tunisia are just the ticket.

El Jem became the hub of the olive oil industry in the 2nd Century and as a result was a thriving metropolis. Built in the 3rd Century, located near the city, is the amphitheatre, often incorrectly identified as a “coliseum”. Once used for chariot races and gladiator shows, the amphitheatre has fallen to ruin, but is still open for tourism. Leading to the ruinous state of the amphitheatre is the use of the stones to build El Jem (also spelled as El Djem) but contributing to the state of disrepair was the Turks using cannons to flush out Ottoman rebels in the 17th Century. The amphitheatres’ ruins were declared a World Heritage Site in 1979.

For fans of the Star Wars movies, Matmata will be a destination of choice since the city was the setting for the disco scene in the first Star Wars movie. However, there is more there than just a decades old movie set. In the city of Matmata are unique homes, not built on top of the ground but dug vertically into the ground. Called “Troglodytes”, these houses were probably built in this manner to protect its dwellers from the heat of the Tunisian sun. Also in Matmata, which seems to be the primary attraction, is the hotel Sidi Driss. The hotel is difficult to find unless you are looking for it, having been built underground like the homes in the area. This hotel was also used in the movie Star Wars and the owners have carefully protected the set objects left behind. Slightly off the beaten track is the city of Karkouane, home to ancient buildings discovered during excavations done by archeologists. Built by the Phoenicians it is assumed it was abandoned circa 250 B.C, during the First Punic War. Archaeological excavations discovered ancient mosaics in an atrium, complete walls of early houses, curbstones, floors, thresholds and doorsteps showing a once thriving community.

The age of Tunisia grants visitors the chance to walk amongst the ruins of a history only revealed in the buildings uncovered. There are hundreds of sights and monuments such as these throughout the country and will excite those seeking historically significant travel.

Alternative departures:
Tunisia holidays from London
Tunisia holidays from Midlands
Tunisia holidays from Newcastle
Tunisia holidays from Manchester
Tunisia holidays from Belfast
Tunisia holidays from Scotland
Tunisia holidays from Bristol and Cardiff