Tunisia Live (Tunis)
Ahmed Medien
3 December 2011
Hammamet is a 3,600-hectare city in the governorate of Nabel, located on the North Eastern cost of Tunisia. The city is Tunisia’s eminent tourist destination. According to the 2004 census, there are 63,116 inhabitants in Hammamet and its suburbs.
This number doubles in months of July, August, and September, when the tourist season is at its highest. Hammamet is split into three districts: Hammamet, Barraket Essahel, and Birbouregba. Hammamet is the city’s main district, which encompasses the old city, El Medina, Hammamet North and South, and Yasmine Hammamet. The city is famed for its Jasmine flowers and citrus.
A Historic view of the city
The city of Hammamet has been inhabited for more than two thousand years. In the 1st century AD, Hammamet was a simple Berber-Punic village, but the city became a Roman colony under the rule of the emperors Antoninus Pius and Commodus. Hammamet soon became one of the primary agricultural resources of the Roman colony based in the region. Ruins and edifices from that era can still be found at the Puppet (Souk el-Abiod) archeological site.
Hammamet has been a cosmopolitan city for centuries, and has hosted a number of distinct cultures. Over the years, the Ottomans, Maltese, and Spanish all inhabited the area surrounding the city. These civilizations greatly impacted the development of the region, and their traditions are now enmeshed with local customs.
Hammamet was developed under the rule of the Turkish-descended Husainid Dynasty, which built the old city of Hammamet. The city’s imposing walls and fortress were initially constructed for protection against Western invasions, which were growing frequent during that era.
Yet despite its defensive infrastructure, Hammamet fell easily following the invasion of the French army in Tunisia. The city later became a strategic site during World War II, and served as the headquarters of German Nazi field marshal, Erwin Rommel.
Traveling to Hammamet
Hammamet and Tunis (the capital) are linked with railways, which provide easy access for curious visitors to explore Hammamet. Louages – shared, long-distance, taxis – are also available from Beb Alioua, located in downtown Tunis. Once in Hammamet, taxis are an accessible means by which any of the city’s destinations can be reached. Occasionally taxi drivers may charge a higher fee if they do not use their meter. However, taxi fare is generally inexpensive and drivers, who are often locals of the city, are familiar with all of Hammamet’s prominent sites.
Yasmine Hammamet: Tunisia’s top tourist destination
Yasmine Hammamet is a popular tourist destination where the majority of the city’s hotels and resorts are situated. This district features a selection of the country’s most luxurious hotel chains, chic restaurants, and malls. Yasmine Hammamet is also home to one of the most famous discothèques on the shores of the Mediterranean: Calypso.
Hammamet Marina is a port within the Yasmine Hammamet district, located directly on the shore of the city’s gulf. It features a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea and is filled with luxurious yachts and fishing boats. Many wealthy locals and nationals from other countries, including the Italian actress Sophia Loren, reside in Hammamet.
Hammamet is also known for its splendid beaches. Since Hammamet is located on the coast, beaches are abundant and are easy to access from the center of the city. In the summer, Hammamet’s beaches are usually the most crowded in the country. This is due to the perception amongst Tunisians that Hammamet’s beaches are both the most beautiful and the cleanest.
El Medina (the old city) is another fascinating district of Hammamet that is a must see for all visitors who want to catch a glimpse of the historical authenticity of the city. El Medina has several souks with old fashioned handcraft, textile, and pottery shops.
A wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and hotels can be found througout the Medina. These sites are conveniently located near Hammamet’s active downtown district. For more information on Hammamat’s hotspots, check out Tunisia Live’s reviews on Cafe el-Becha and Hotel Zodiac, which are both within the vacinity of El Medina.
Hammamet is also a great destination for family-oriented activities. Two large amusement parks, Carthage Land and Aqua Park, can be found near to the city.
The atmosphere
The atmosphere in Hammamet combines serenity and vibrancy. Hammamet’s trend-setting social scene hosts a variety of bars and clubs, while, conversely, residents can enjoy calm and quiet suburbs away from the noise of the city. The weather in Hammamet is also rather warm and coastal.
Visitors of Hammamet
Hammamet attracts youth and elderly alike who typically possess differing interests in the city. The youth is often drawn to the city’s hotpots. The elderly tend to seek adventure in the Medina and immerse themselves in the local culture. Additionaly, many elderly tourists visit the city annually for its warm coastal weather and its sophisticated resorts.
Culture in Hammamet
Culture in Hammamet is of equal importance to the city as tourism. Hammamet annually hosts the International Festival of Hammamet, which is second only to the Carthage Festival in significance. The festival is held at German field Marshal, Erwin Rommel’s old house. The manor’s grounds now serve as the staging area for the event’s performances.
Hammamet is situated near to several museums, which are located in the neighboring city of Nabel. One of the most celebrated historical sites of the city is Neapolis – the Greek word from which the Arabic name, Nabel, is derived – among other venues and cultural centers. These two cities are linked with railways.
The Punic Roman archaeological site Pupput
outside the walls of El Medina
handcrafted puppets
El Medina
Hammamet Marina
Aqua Park
Carthage Land
Hammamet Festival
Jasmine
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