TUNIS, TUNISIA

On our drive from our ship to Dougga, we will stop en route at the small town of Tatour. This town was founded by Moors, but has been influenced by Andalucians, which can be seen in the architecture – in particular the Mosque.

On our drive from our ship to Dougga, we will stop en route at the small town of Tatour. This town was founded by Moors, but has been influenced by Andalucians, which can be seen in the architecture – in particular the Mosque. The Roman ruins at Dougga are said to be the most spectacular and best preserved in the country. They occupy a commanding position on the edge of the Tebersouk Mountains, overlooking the fertile wheat-growing valley of the Oued Kalled. This site was occupied until the early 1950’s, when the residents were moved to help preserve the ruins. One of the monuments at Dougga is a 3,500 seat theatre, which was built into the hillside during 188 AD by one of the city’ wealthy residents. The Temple of Saturn was erected on the site of an earlier temple. Southwest of the theatre, a winding street leads down to the Square of Winds, where paving is laid out like an enormous compass and lists the names of the 12 winds. The Capitol is a remarkable monument – one of the finest in Tunisia – constructed in 166 AD. Six enormous, fluted columns support the portico, which are some eight metres (25 feet) above the ground. The frieze has an unusually unweathered carving depicting the Emperor Antonius Pius being carried off in an eagle’s claws. Inside was an enormous statue of Jupiter, fragments of which are now in the Bardo Museum in Tunis. We will enjoy lunch at a local hotel before our journey back to the port, which will take approximately two-and-a-half hours. There is approximately 1½ hours of walking around the archaeological site. The ground may be uneven, so care should be taken. Not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES