Hammamet
The Tunisian St. Tropez
Hammamet is a Tunisian city located in the northeast, on the southeast coast of Cap Bon, about sixty kilometers south of Tunis. Attached to the governorate of Nabeul, it constitutes a municipality with 73,236 inhabitants in 2014, and covers an area of 3,600 hectares.
Hammamet is one of the most important holiday resorts in Tunisia, is one of the most beautiful tourist towns from Tunisia, renowned for its long sandy beaches and the beauty of the sea with turquoise reflections. Hammamet is a real magnet for both Tunisians and foreign tourists. Considered a corner that spreads its scent of jasmine flowers (flower symbolizing Tunisia) and orange. Former fishing and farming village that has become modern thanks to its high standard tourist infrastructure, its hotels, bars, renowned restaurants, economic and sports activities, its very lively nightlife and above all its beautiful beaches of fine golden sand and its thalassotherapy centers. It is now the tourist destination par excellence.
History
Since the Punic period, the region was already one of the most fertile parts of the Carthaginian agricultural domain. With the Roman domination appears an urban agglomeration nicknamed Pupput. Under the Romans, it experienced remarkable development: from a simple “vicus”, it reached the rank of honorary colony (Colonia Aurelia Commoda) under the reign of the Emperor Commodus between 185 and 192.
City of Byzacene, the city is located at the crossroads of two roads: one connecting the eastern coast to the plain cereal from Thuburbo Majus and the other part from Carthage, the capital of the province, and along the coast to Libya (formerly known as Leptis Magna). From then on, the city enjoyed municipal institutions and was adorned with monuments characteristic of the Roman city.
In the 13th century the Arabs built a fort and a small town named Hammamet (which means "Baths" or "Doves" according to the pronunciation). The fort was then replaced in the 15th century by the Casbah and the Medina. And afterwards during the 16th century, the Spaniards fortified it before falling back into Turkish hands. The city remained on the whole far from invasions and battles. And with the construction of a railway line during the French protectorate, it really takes off and becomes a seaside resort, thanks to its large beaches with fine sand and a mild climate.
It was by building a majestic residence during the 1920s that the Romanian billionaire Georges Sébastien made it known to the rest of the world. This residence was indeed the meeting place for several foreign artists and writers such as Georges Bernanos, Paul Klee and André Gide and many other personalities from the art world. Currently the resident has been transformed into a Cultural Center bearing the name of its founder "Dar Sébastien" in which the International Festival of Hammamet and other cultural activities are organized annually.
Tourism
Hammamet then becomes a popular destination where beautiful villas are built mixing Western and Moorish architecture. Its mild and sunny climate as well as its long beaches along the Mediterranean Sea make it an increasingly popular seaside resort. To take the pulse of the place, start by going to the Kasbah, the fortress from where you can contemplate the bay of Hammamet and the entire city. Obviously, the souk deserves a visit for its colors, smells and shops, but it is confined to a single artery, you will quickly have made the tour. George Sebastian's Villa Dar is worth a visit. It dates from the 1930s, when this Romanian billionaire built a property there in the Moorish style.modern with gardens of several hectares and a park by the sea. It is thanks to this superb villa that his artist friends will flock for a stay in Hammamet, from Giacometti to Paul Klee. Then, the jet-set of the whole world will follow suit in the post-war years.
Today, the coast is occupied by many Hammamet hotels. The resort has just expanded with the Yasmina Hammamet project, comprising, among other things, a marina and a unique thematic park covering approximately 5 hectares with attractions based on Tunisian history, called Carthageland. To find authentically local crafts rather than imported products, head to the village of Nabeul, famous for its pottery and ceramics. For once, you are sure of their origin.
Where to go
Popular Attractions
Top Beaches
A seaside resort renowned among tourists, Hammamet is home to many splendid beaches, where you can enjoy a calm sea and numerous nautical activities of all kinds. The beaches of Hammamet will allow you to enjoy the joys of the Mediterranean and in case of good weather you can even see the Sicilian coasts.
Where to eat
Restaurants, Cafes and bars
What to do
Entertainment and Events
Where To Stay
Accommodation
