The Old Medina of Hammamet

 Here is a place I have visited on numerous occasions. Yet, I keep going back there whenever I am back to Hammamet! Hard to believe; what is there that makes it such an attractive place?

-This is what I'll try to explain today to acknowledge this feeling of attraction.

First of all, this is due to its location. The old medina is spread within the limits of its own ramparts, partly hidden by the massive structure of the Turkish-Spanish Fort guarding a promontory. One section of the fortifications is built above the sea. Consequently, the medina is limited in size. However, it is a maze of narrow alleys, where losing your sense of orientation is easy.

Then, this place is kept absolutely spotless bearing the emblematic seal of the Tunisian white and blue. But this is still not enough to account for the attractiveness. The medina has indeed its own characteristics and remains a highly architectural trove. There are indeed many cultural wonders there: doors, windows, mosaics, wooden lattices, arches... A local artist has spread the colorful shape of a fish here and there. Plants, flowers, and bushes adorn sometimes the streets and houses. As this is a country for cats, countless numbers of them are there as a substitute for the few locals you may encounter. There are times when visitors are the only people you can meet around! This is a place where the inhabitants live behind the high whitewashed walls. Sometimes, a door left open enables the eye to see the interior, a staircase leading to the terrace, or a view of an inner yard. 

Perhaps, you may be lucky enough to access one of these fabulous open terraces. Then, this is another sublime sight over the roofs, the walls, the cupolas, and the nearby blue Med! Chances are high that it will be on one of these wonderful sunny days!

So, this is why this old medina is so quietly attractive. As a matter of fact, it is probably one of the most beautiful old sections in Tunisia.

Christian Sorand

The fish symbol in one of the alleys

An alley

Inside a building

Interior of a restaurant lounge

The mosque

A street

An archway

Blue Door

White Door

Just a simple place!

White & Blue

An elaborate doorway

The cats

Black & White passageway

A house at night

The fortifications

Sunset over the medina walls on the sea