The old town of Gabès has an authentic atmosphere. The oasis adds a second dimension: pomegranates there follow a clear seasonal rhythm. To explore Gabès, you can focus on two distinct themes: the old town and the seasonal changes in the trees. They bloom at the beginning of summer and bear sweet, juicy fruit in autumn.

Oasis and coast: distinct natural themes

The change is clear: the trees bloom at the beginning of summer, and their sweet, juicy fruit comes in autumn. If you are planning a trip around one of these experiences, this distinction offers a clear seasonal guide. Many herons and flamingos frequent the beaches of Gabès. The oasis represents a seasonal change, while the beaches offer another perspective on nature. If nature is an important part of your trip, you can sort your interests accordingly: are you more interested in the plant life of the oasis or the birdlife along the coast?

Historic buildings in Gabès

Gabès’ historical heritage can be seen in several architectural monuments dating from the 17th century. These include mosques, the mausoleum of the saint Sidi Boulbaba, and a medersa that has now been converted into a museum of folk art and traditions. The museum gives the medersa a further cultural role in addition to its architectural history. If you plan to visit the museum, check current access arrangements in advance.

Matmata: film history and house architecture

Matmata offers two distinct points of interest: some scenes from the Star Wars saga were filmed there, and the houses have a striking spatial layout. They have a central courtyard surrounded by fully underground rooms. For architecture enthusiasts, the relationship between the central courtyard and the rooms around it offers a tangible insight into the floor plan. Film history and house design draw attention to different aspects of the same place.

Comparing the architectural monuments in Gabès with the houses in Matmata shifts the scale: individual historic buildings in one place, the layout of a house in the other. This lets you consider architecture both as a monument and as a spatial arrangement.

More sides of Tunisia

Tunisia also offers other perspectives on architecture and landscape. In Sousse, the Ribat is considered the oldest and best-preserved example of its type. The Medina of Tunis contains around 700 historic monuments spread across seven areas. Lake Ichkeul and its surrounding marshes are a wintering ground for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds; their numbers vary from year to year. The amphitheatre of El Jem has an estimated capacity of 35,000 spectators. These examples range from individual buildings and a historic urban ensemble to a seasonally significant natural area and an amphitheatre. The figures measure different things: around 700 refers to monuments in the medina, while 35,000 is the amphitheatre’s estimated spectator capacity.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Matmata, Kebili, Jundubah, Tawzar, Ariana, Monastir, Tozeur, Gafsa

For the main travel overview: Tunisia.