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Port city in Tunisia
Photo: The original uploader was Moumou82 at French Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Muséé de Sfax
Hosts an impressive collection of mosaics from the region, in particular the Roman towns of Taparura (where Sfax now is) and Thaenae (now Thyna, 11 km west of Sfax). Closed for renovation as of Jan 2023.
The kasbah was a military garrison before and during the French Protectorate (1881-1956). The French influence (buildings, etc.) has been removed and the Kasbah now hosts rooms of displays relating the industry for which Sfax is famous; construction, metalwork and the famous Bourj and Djenes of Sfax all have their own rooms. Additionally there is a display of religious architecture and some documents in another room, with an underground mosque area also worth a visit. Definitely a highlight is the view from the top of either of the towers that form part of the Kasbah.
The Djellouli family has provided Sfax with a number of its governors over the years, particularly during the 1700s and 1800s. Dar Djellouli is also referred to as the Governor's Mansion, and is an example of traditional Medina architecture. It is built around a courtyard that is open to the sky, with two floors of balconies on four sides looking down on it. The rooms open onto these balconies, and house cultural items from the 1800s and even earlier. Costumes from the period can be viewed, as can examples of cooking, calligraphy, embroidery, perfume distillation and furniture.
Souq des Forgerons
It's a location for The English Patient movie. Inside this souk is where Almasy gave Katherine a silver thimble of saffron. It no longer houses the blacksmiths, and has bern remodeled around retail.
Tunisian cuisine
The Tea House is just inside Bab Diwan is one of the best places to sit back and relax in friendly and comfortable surroundings. Cafe Diwan is located in the wall, literally, between Bab Diwan and Bab Kasbah, so it can be reached from either side. The stairs from the street will take you into the main room, but the roof is the place to sit and enjoy the view. Thé with pine nuts (‘pignons) or Café Turc (Turkish coffee) can be enjoyed there, as well as the regular offerings. Cafe Diwan was a fort, Bourj Al Resace, until the arrival of the French in 1881. On the roof you will notice a circular wall, about waist height. This wall was the foundation of a water tower in the late 1800s. On your way out, slip into the circular room with the dome-shaped roof that supported the water tank, and listen to the reverberation as you speak. (Note: pay for you drinks as you leave, and consider leaving your change as a tip.)
Rooftop coffee shop. Multiple rooms and levels, and occasional music performances too.
It's a good Salon de thé.
What Hotel Thyma lacks in charm it makes up for in cleanliness, powerful hot showers, and friendly management (who all speak French, and some English). Rooms include balconies, private bath, and television.
3 stars.
Listed as four stars. May be overpriced.
5 stars
30 rooms. Business hotel built in the 2010s. It has a swimming pool with massage column. Take a relaxing stay in a hotel with architecture typical of the region. (5 stars)
4 stars.
By car
A highway connects Sfax to northern cities like Tunis and Sousse.
By train
Train connections are available from the train station in the centre of Sfax to most major Tunisian cities. The main station, Gare de Sfax is located just north of the city centre.
By bus
There are two bus stations in Sfax. Soretras, which is the regional bus company, and may not offer A/C buses, is on Rue Commondant Bejaoui, a few blocks past the central market.
By louage
The louage is a minibus of about 9 passengers. The Louage station is located beyond the western end of Avenue Bourguiba, about 1½ km from the railway station (and so is worth a taxi fare).
By boat
Sfax is the gateway to the Kerkennah Islands, 20 kilometers off the coast. Sonotrak has up to eight daily departures. The Ferry terminal is located on 5 Ave Mohamed Hédi Khefacha.
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Sfax · Regional · SFA
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