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Written by Gillian
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One ‘off the beaten track’, yet not-to-be-missed site in Tunisia is the Roman town of Dougga. It is approximately 75 miles southwest of Tunis, just off the C74/P5. Perched on the hilltop, 600metres (2000 feet) above the plains, it is an incredibly complex and well-preserved Roman site. Expect to pay a small entrance fee to this aptly named ‘City of Temples’.
 The first monument to be seen beyond the entrance is the Theatre, built around AD166 and beautifully restored. It now seats some 3500 people for the Dougga festival, held in June, which gives you an idea of its size and condition. From there take the steps down the winding narrow street (yes, it is still a town, rather than a cluster of remains!) and note the grooves worn by centuries of wheeled vehicles. The street opens out into the ‘Square of the Winds’ and the inscription in the paving names all 12 winds. The Capitolene Temple to the right is one of the most imposing buildings here, but you are spoilt for choice as there are so many wonderful contenders for that title!
The nearby Forum is enclosed by Byzantine walls, and there are a number of temples in this area which must be fully explored. Dougga also has a triumphal Arch to Alexander Severus, and above it the Aqueduct d’Ain El Hammam which brought water into the city from springs over 12km (7miles) away. Still on a water theme, the Baths of Licinius were a true spa complete with ‘palaestra’ or gym. One other building worthy of note is the huge House of Trefoil, with rooms in a trefoil shape leading off the central courtyard. Once believed to be a brothel, the stone fallus symbol which once would have marked the house is sadly gone.
This brief encounter can only begin to whet your appetite for all that this wonderful city still holds. Too much to take in thoroughly in one day, consider staying at the nearby local Hotel Thugga in Teboursouk and enjoy the simple restaurant food there too. |
