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Written by Gillian
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El Kef is in a beautiful setting in the mountainous Tell region of Tunisia, close to the border with Algeria. Approached from the plain, the city can be seen dramatically winding around the hillside. Not known for its tourist facilities, visitors may nonetheless enjoy the experience of staying in the Hotel Sicca Veneria which may appeal. It has a rowdy bar downstairs and a reasonable restaurant, whilst rooms are simple and clean with the luxury of hot running water!
The focal point of the town was the spring which can still be seen close to the ruined Temple of Venus and the tiny Byzantine church. Now it is just a hole in the ground, but you can still see the remains of the Roman channels which would have directed the water through an elaborate maze of cisterns and baths to serve the residents. Incidentally, the Temple of Venus was where Carthaginian women would sacrifice their virginity in the belief that it would assure a good harvest.
The main building in El Kef is the Sidi Bou Makhouf Mosque with its many domes, octagonal minaret and high cement walls. El Kef actually means ‘the Rock’ and if you choose to climb the main street, Avenue Bourguiba, you will understand why it is stepped! The town is now in two parts. The upper town or Kasbah has been relinquished by the military and is becoming more of a tourist attraction, with its great views from the Kasbah lookout positions. The lower town, around the spring, is full of local life although unemployment and its associated problems are rife here.
Visitors should make their way to the local Museum of Folk Arts and Culture, open from Tuesday to Sunday. It includes an entire Nomadic tent, typically used in the desert, and costumes, jewellery and artifacts which tell the story of local history. |
