Tamerza Berber Village

Tamerza is one of the most beautiful mountain oases in Tunisia. It sits at over 300 meters above sea level, roughly 70 kilometers from Tozeur airport. The oasis provides water and pleasant freshness during the heat. It contrasts with the mountainous landscape, which shifts from beige to pink. The ancient site, formerly called Ad Turres, defended the borders of the Roman Empire. Later, it became the seat of a bishopric under the Byzantines.

The ruins of the old village stand in front of the oasis. The villagers abandoned Tamerza in 1969. Contrary to popular belief, floods did not destroy the village. Instead, several days of heavy rains caused the buildings to collapse. The materials could not resist water infiltration. Consequently, the villagers settled a few hundred meters away. The current Tamerza now has over 2,500 inhabitants.

Today, travelers visit the ruins, often called the “sleeping village of Tamerza.” They come in search of memories of a forgotten Berber land. Only the marabout remains in use today. The Tamerza Palace & Spa, a charming hotel built into the mountain, faces the ruins. Since 1992, the village has watched over this hotel. On certain evenings, the hotel organizes mystical evenings with 5,000 candles.

Natural Beauty and Filming Location

The El Horchane wadi runs just in front of the ruins. This wide strip of bare, planed earth fills quickly with water during rare but violent rains. Visitors can also admire waterfalls emerging from the mountain. Hiking trails offer breathtaking panoramas that delight walkers. This region of mountain oases served as a filming location for certain scenes of the film The English Patient.

Tamerza attracts visitors seeking nature, a change of scenery, and authenticity. It offers relaxation and a mystical silence, broken only by birdsong. The village is ideal for a long weekend or a week-long stay. Average temperatures remain fairly consistent with those of the mountain oases region. Ultimately, Tamerza offers an unforgettable escape into Tunisia’s Berber heritage.