The city of Medenine lies in southern Tunisia, in the Djeffara plain. It gained recognition as a tourist destination in 1999 following the filming of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Since then, fans of the cult series have traveled to Tunisia to discover this unique location. It is also an interesting destination if you are staying on Djerba, the main tourist island in the region.
Medenine occupies a central position, 75 km south of Gabès, 78 km west of Ben Gardane, and about fifty kilometers north of Tataouine. As the capital of the governorate of the same name, the city is renowned for its ksour and its sets of half-cylindrical granaries called ghorfas. The first of these were built around the 17th century.
The City of Medenine : Gateway to the Ksour Country
Medenine serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the country of Ksour. From the center, visitors can discover a well-preserved ksar (singular of ksour), a traditional fortified granary. This site is a popular stop for tourists passing through by bus or 4×4 during a quick visit.
No discussion of Medenine is complete without mentioning Beni Khedache, a mountain village where the expression “to be in the clouds” holds true. A visit to Ksar Jouamaa, a hotel-restaurant dominating the summit, is unmissable. This stone fortress, with its authenticity and rare purity, will charm visitors and offer peace in a shivering, unique silence. Ultimately, the city of Medenine offers an unforgettable journey into Tunisia’s desert heritage.
The city of Medenine in Video
The city of Medenine on the Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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