With its strong Berber influence and isolated desert location in the south-west of the country, Tozeur is a unique and interesting destination in Tunisia. Many visitors are drawn to Tozeur as a base to explore nearby natural wonders such as Chebika, Mides, Ong Jemal and Chott el Djerid. However the city centre is also worth exploring, filled with intricate brickwork buildings a history dating back to Roman times. Check out my short self-guided walking tour of some of the highlights!

Start at the Mausoleum of Abou el Kacem Chebbi, located just beyond the small ceremonial city gate when walking from the main Ave Abdul Kacem Chebbi

Stop One: Mausoleum of Abou el Kacem Chebbi

Abou el Kacem Chebbi was a poet who lived in the early 1900s. A native of Tozeur, Chebbi is best known for contributing verses which later became part of the Tunisian national anthem. He died in 1934 at age 25 and is a revered figure in Tozeur. His mausoleum is open for visitors and is a popular place for fans of Tunisian arts and literature to pay their respects.

From the mausoleum, head down the road to the neighbourhood of Bled el Hadhar.

Stop Two: Mosque Al-Qasr of Bled El Hadhar & Tusuros Roman Tower – Bled el Hadhar

The small and quiet neighbourhood of Bled el Hadhar was once the site of the Roman settlement of Tusuros, and later became the center of the medieval city of Tozeur. An important city in the Roman province of Ifriqiya (north Africa), this area was home to Berbers, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs over the years. Christianity was still practiced here until the 11th century and the Al-Qasr mosque is built on the remains of a Roman-era church. This mosque later became an important regional Islamic center. The medieval city was sacked and destroyed by the Ottomans in the early 1600s, and was later rebuilt in the current location of the modern center of Tozeur.

From Bled el Hadhar, continue walking along the road until you reach the majestic restored gate to the old city.

From there, turn right and follow the road until you reach the medina.

Stop Three: Medina of Tozeur

This medina is different from many in Tunisia in that it is mostly residential rather than commercial. While there are still the typical narrow passageways and alleys, you won’t find many stalls or sellers here. Instead, the medina has a quiet and peaceful feel with few tourists and just the occasional residents passing by and going about their daily lives. Watch out for motorcycles and mopeds flying through the medina! The locals have a habit of driving quickly through the narrow alleyways and for the residents of the medina this is the most convenient way to get around, although maybe not always the safest for passing visitors.

The medina in Tozeur is also unique for the brickwork designs of the buildings, it is probably the best place to see this style which is emblematic of the city of Tozeur. Wandering around the medina can provide great photo opportunities and a chance to admire this style of architecture which is very different from other parts of Tunisia.

Stop Four: Date palm plantation/Eden Palm

The dirt tracks in the palmeraie are a great natural escape from the bustling city

At the southeastern side of the medina you will find a dirt track which leads to the huge date palm plantation, known as the palmeraie. Dates are a key export of Tozeur and this region of Tunisia, they have played an important role in the city’s history and development. You can follow the paths and walk through the trails lined with date palms, eventually looping around and heading back into the medina. There is also a small ranch and museum called Eden Palm in this area, which provides some context and history about the harvest and cultivation of date palms in the region.

Stop Five: Cafe Berber

Enjoying a date milkshake (‘jus’) at Cafe Berber

While exploring the medina, you will no doubt find locals suggesting that you visit Cafe Berber. One of the few commercial enterprises in the medina, this rooftop cafe provides panoramic views of the medina and surrounding area. We were hesitant to visit at first however this turned out to be one of our favourite cafes in Tunisia. As well as the view, we found the prices to be fair and, more importantly, the hospitality and quality of the products to be excellent. This is a great place to relax and unwind after exploring the city. Try the date milkshake; you won’t be disappointed!

For tips on getting to and from Tozeur, check out my blog post on transport and louages in Tunisia. And for more Tozeur and Tunisia content, click here!

This guide is now available on GPSmyCity!