Sousse (Hadrumete): The Peal of the Sahel

Sousse (Hadrumete): The Pearl of the Sahel

Sousse, known as “the peal of Sahel”, was a producer of esparto grass, salt, grain and oil back in the ancient times. The city is now one of the most important tourist attraction in Tunisia. Situated 140 km from Tunis, the old city is beside the shore which gives it special charm.

Founded by the Phoenicians in the IX century BC, Sousse became a vassal of carthage three centuries later. Realizing the weakness of Carthage, the city became an ally of the Romans, escaping destruction after the fall of that great city. By that alliance, Sousse was able to maintain its statue as a free city.

Olive Trees

Bouja'afar Coast

Conquered by the vandals and then by the Byzantines, the city became Arab in the VII century. A coveted strategic port, Sousse has always had a turbulent destiny, threatened by the Normans in the XII century, by the Spanish in the XVI, by the Venetians… and finally bombed by the Germans during the II World War. Miraculously spared by the bombs, the Medina stands proud. The Great Mosque, whose construction took several centuries, dates from the year 850. A century and a half later, the prayer room was doubled in size and a dome was added. The arches remain on ancient columns.

The Ribat or fortress dates from the VIII century. The kasbah has been recently restored and houses a very interesting mosaic museum.

Port El Kantaoui

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