UNESCO Sites in Tunisia

UNESCO classified sites in Tunisia are 8 in number.

Tunisia is a country which is as rich in its nature and its landscapes as in its authentic and preserved historical and cultural heritage, despite its small area.

This country has always been marked by the different civilizations that have succeeded one another on its territory, which has allowed it to distinguish itself from an impressive cultural diversity and a rich historical heritage that highlights the imprints of ancestral civilizations.

The Tunisian archaeological heritage is one of the richest in the Mediterranean Basin with several hundred ancient sites. About twenty are of major interest, eight of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List and twelve others are on the indicative list.

Here are the sites already listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, divided between 7 governorates of the country.

The Amphitheater of El Jem

Classified in 1979 as a World Heritage Site and able to accommodate 35,000 spectators, the Roman amphitheater of El Jem is considered to be one of the largest coliseums in North Africa. This grandiose amphitheater is located in the governorate of Mahdia, was built in the 3rd century, embodying the glory of the Roman Empire.

The Archaeological Site of Carthage

The archaeological site of Carthage has been classified as a World Heritage Site since 1979 and is home to the unmissable Cathedral of Saint Louis. Scattered throughout the city of Carthage in the governorate of Tunis, the ruins of the archaeological site of Carthage bear witness to a grandiose civilization that has been able to impose its existence from the 9th century BC to the present day.

The Medina of Tunis

Founded in 689 around the mosque of Zitouna and listed since 1979 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Medina of Tunis experienced an unparalleled boom under the reign of the Almohads and the Hafsids (from the 12th to the 16th century) and quickly developed to become one of the most important cities in the Islamic world. The Medina of Tunis has more than 700 must-see monuments, including palaces, mosques and mausoleums preserved to this day.

Ichkeul National Park

Ichkeul National Park covers 12,600 hectares. It hosts more than 180 bird species. Some of these birds are rare and endangered. The park is one of the best-known parks in Tunisia and North Africa.In the 18th century, it served as a hunting reserve. UNESCO listed it as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1980.

The Holy City of Kairouan

Kairouan was the former Aghlabid capital. It is one of the most important Islamic cities. UNESCO listed it on the World Heritage List in 1988. The city is renowned for its medina, rich architectural heritage, and grandiose mosques. Kairouan has maintained its position as the first holy city of the Maghreb.

The Punic City of Kerkouane and its Necropolis

Kerkouane contains a city and a necropolis from the Phoenician era. UNESCO listed the site as a World Heritage Site in 1986. It lies at the tip of Cap Bon on a cliff overlooking the sea. It has not suffered any modifications. Its architecture reflects the old typical Punic style.

The Medina of Sousse

UNESCO classified the Medina of Sousse as a World Heritage Site in 1988. It lies in the heart of the Tunisian Sahel. This medina symbolizes the typical architecture of ancient Islamic cities of the Maghreb. The Medina of Sousse contains grandiose historical monuments. These include the ribat and the Great Mosque. Its kasbah and ramparts shape the cityscape. The Bu Ftata mosque and its ribat serve both as a fort and a religious building.

The Archaeological Site of Dougga or Thugga

the archaeological site of Dougga is located in the governorate of Béja in northern Tunisia. They subscribed it in 1997 on the list of world heritage sites. Distinguished by its size as well as its location, Dougga is a place rich in history and landscape which shelters grandiose monuments which still bear witness to the different civilizations which have succeeded each other on the territory of the country, including the Capitol, the Libyco-Punic mausoleum, and the temples of Saturn and Juno Caelestis.