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Written by Gillian
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Known as the most refreshing town in Tunisia, Zaghouan benefits from its high altitude setting of around 1295metres (4249 feet) above sea level. As well as the refreshing breeze, the town is an ancient spa with sparkling fountains scattered throughout the town. Nestling in the shadow of the rocky mass known as Mount Zaghouan, the town’s main claim to fame is the Roman Temple of the Waters. This Roman fountain was built to take advantage of a natural spring where it emerges from the rock. The impressive fountain was built during Hadrian’s reign between AD117-138. It has 12 carved niches which would once have held statues, long since vanished.
The town of Zaghouan has a 2nd century Triumphal Arch on the road to the east of the town, with some magnificent views. There are two ancient statues keeping guard close by, presumably of similar age.
Set against the backdrop of Mount Zaghouan is the Old Great Mosque, built in the early 19th century, and the New Great Mosque, built in 1982, which make great photographs. The mountain itself is home to a diverse amount of flora and flora and is great for those who enjoy hill walking. A dirt track begins behind the nympheum and runs up to Sidi Bou Gabrine. A less strenuous way to enjoy this green and impressive area is to drive along the road from Zaghouan to El Fahs, about 17 miles (28km). The road twists and turns with fine views along the way. Slow driving is essential due to the poor road condition, but makes the views all the sweeter.
This mountainous region is part of the Tell, which is an Arabic word meaning ‘Mountain’. It covers the large upland area of north west and central Tunisia and is sparsely inhabited with undulating countryside. It has many broad rivers making it very fertile, and was once the bread basket of the Roman Empire. Some of the highlights of the Tell region are discovered by travelling from Tabarka on the coast, to Gafsa. They include Dougga, Bulla Regia, the hill town of El Kef and Makthar. The region is also served by a railway through the Mejerda Valley.
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