Excursions in Tunisia: Dougga & Bulla Regia Excursion
While some might argue that Tunisia does not possess a stunning draw such as the Pyramids of Giza of the ancient city of Petra, there is little doubt that Dougga is the pinnacle of the Roman presence in Tunisia, and looks out majestically over the hills.
Dougga, Tunisia
Dougga & Bulla Regia Excursion
Tunis, Tunisia
While some might argue that Tunisia does not possess a stunning draw such as the Pyramids of Giza of the ancient city of Petra, there is little doubt that Dougga is the pinnacle of the Roman presence in Tunisia, and looks out majestically over the hills. It can be found just over an hour away from Thuburbo Majus, and between two to two-and-a-half hours from Tunis.
What perhaps makes it so aesthetically pleasing is its geography - perched on high, it is a picture of verdancy and her stone columns stand proudly against the green countryside. It occupies an unusual position for a Roman town because its origins date back well before the Romans - in fact, it was a Numidian stronghold, and enjoyed great prosperity through Masinissa, its ruler.
The majority of Dougga as a town sits lower on the hill than the Theatre, and you walk down to it. One of the first things to confront you is the Capitol, which has six columns, each eight metres high. The square beside is believed to have been a marketplace. It is from here that you find the residential quarter, Temples, and extensive Licinian Baths, and there are some choice spots down here to photograph the Capitol.
There is a further hour's drive to Bulla Regia. Bulla Regia is a remarkable Roman city, in northwestern Tunisia, near the modern city of Jendouba. It is celebrated for its semi-subterranean housing, a feature that most likely was a response to the need for protection against excessive heat in summer and the cold in winter.
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