Vincci Hotels

SOUSSE

Commonly known as “The Pearl of the Coast” this combination of modern tourist resorts and traditions of the locals makes this town a mecca for visitors wanting to visit its excellent beaches and enjoy its fantastic climate.

Founded in the 11th century by the Fenizians, it is 3rd most important city in the country. Situated on the east coast Sousse offers the visitor an array of wonders from its harbour to its enchanting streets full of aromatic smells, colours and an array of sounds of the street.

The most modern part of the city is to be found approximately 5 kilometres to the north at El Kantaoui Port. Here you can find a first class tourist resort with various activities on offer ranging from leisure to sport. Included in the offering is a world lass golf course, casino and a wide array of restaurants and eateries offering up the typical dishes of the region including date pastry, and pine nut tea.

Tourist Routes.

HARBOUR
Declared by UNESCO in 1988 as a Landmark of Humanity, the Sousse harbour is found built within the city walls.It was built in 860 by Ibrahim Mohamed and later restored by the hafsies only to be destroyed years later in the second world war.Today it has been restored to its original glory. You can get there by way of the practically destroyed port of Bab al Bahar.

KSAR EL RIBAT
Inside the city walls you can find some of the most significant monuments in the arab world. Ksar el Ribat, a fort from the 8th century was built to protect the east coast inhabitants from invaders. Besides having suffered various attacks and numerous rebuilds the main structure remains intact. Besides the amazing views from the towers you can also visit the cells where the monks where held during the war, keeping them fom one of the main praying alls in the north of Africa situated right inside the Ksar el Ribat.

SOUSSE MUSEUM
Second only to the Bardo Museum in the capital this museum holds the widest and most valuable display of Romanian mosaics,sculptures, pavings and headstones in all of Tunisia. The archaeologic pieces on display are of particular interest. If you wish to photograph the pieces there is a charge for the pleasure.

• Opening times: 0900 to 1200 and 1500 to 1830 from April to September and from 1400 to 1730 October to March. Monday closed.

Main Mosque.
The mosque, more commonly connected with prayer, was primarily built in 851 with the idea of protection to its inhabitants more at the forefront of the designers thoughts as can be witnessed by the turrets and thick walls a fortress against the unwelcome. At least you’ll get glimpse of the fantastic dome which crowns the mosque.

• Opening hours: 0800 til 1400

KASBAH
Make sure to take your camera on a visit here as you’ll get the most fantastic phtos from the 30 metre tower built in the 4th century. From here you get a birds eye view of Sousse, right on top of the oldest area of the city.

Christian Tombs
The Christian catacombs date back to the 3rd century and within you’ll find more than 15000 tombs within 3 different halls. Make sure you go prepared for the adventure, taking one of the organised tours some 5 kilometres from the city, comfortable clothing and a torch is a must if you want to make the best of this outing.

• Opening hours:0900 til 1200 and 1500 to 1830 from April to September and 1400 til 1730 October to march. Closed on Mondays.

Other points of interest.
The street markets of the city are an excellent way to whilst away the time however you must be prepared to haggle for whats on offer and a keen eye you can pick up some real bargains, some typical jewels of the region can be found when you pay attention and of particular good quality are the wool, copper, silver and gold products. Make sure you stop to try some excellent teas and typical sweets from the region when you have had enough shopping.

If you are travelling with children make sure you visit the ship where Roman Polanski filmed Pirates. You’ll find it in the Port El Kantaoui.