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Sidi Bou Said
Sidi Bou Said in short - Key Attractions
- Charming houses with blue doors and narrow paths
- Great atmosphere
- Lots of shops with Tunisian souvenirs
- Fantastic view over Carthage Bay
About Sidi Bou Said
Sidi Bou Said is often described as a ‘typical Tunisian village’ with cobbled streets, white walls and studded blue doors. Due to its location, close proximity to Tunis (18 km) and Carthage (3 km), and beautiful architecture it has became a very popular tourist destination. It is a place where artists, writers and poets find their inspiration and it certainly is one of the most picturesque places we have ever visited.
In the village you may stroll along countless narrow lanes, enjoy white buildings with blue doors, and have a romantic meal in welcoming restaurant. You may also visit Arabs’ Jebel Manar (Watchtower Hill) - a beacon for early navigators.
Did you know?
A local legend has it that King Louis IX (St. Louis) - the only crowned monarch of France (crowned in Rheims in 1226 at the age of 11) ever to become a saint (canonized as a Catholic Saint by Pope Boniface VIII in 1297) did not die on Byrsa Hill in Carthage. According to some historic sources Louis died in 1270 in Tunisian village of disease during his second crusade against Islam. However, Tunisians believe that Louis IX did not die but fell in love with a beautiful Berber princess, converted to Islam and changed his name to Islamic name - Abou Said bin Khalifa bin Yahia et-Tamini el-Baji – and became an Islamic saint known as Sidi Bou Said (buried in Djebel-Marsa). The town was named after him. Legend has it also that he was able to cure rheumatism and could stop scorpions from stinging.
Due to Louis’ documented, lifelong Christian devotion and his crusade against Islam, the Berber legend is not considered credible to many scholars. During his reign, Louis was known as a benevolent and devout Christian and Catholic. His memory has been honoured throughout the world, giving his name to many Cathedrals, including the one in Carthage located just a few miles away.
Published on 31st January 2010
By Arek Zasowski
Photographs by Viola and Arek Zasowski
Few points worth considering
If you are planning to visit Tunisia and are wondering what to see you should definitively include Sidi Bou Said into your plan. Despite the fact that it is incredibly warm place in summer, it offers great holiday atmosphere and stunning panoramic views over the village and Carthage Bay. If you like white Mediterranean architecture i.e. white houses with blue doors this is a place to go.
If you like shopping you can find a very good selection of very colourful, leather female handbags in Sidi Bou Said.
