Things to do in the city of Sousse:
The history of the city is also very fascinating. Settled by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC, the town became a major trading port. In the second Punic war it was the base of Hannibal. It was conquered by the Roman, and later came under the rule of several civilizations. Under the reign of Aghlabids, the town was renovated under the name of Susa which served as a port. During this period, the town saw the establishment of the Ribat, the Great Mosque, the Kasbah and town walls.
The Medina
The Medina of Sousse, though not large, is one of the finest medina in Tunisia. Women can go around here as the place is not over-crowded. The alleys of this ancient Medina are covered with shops selling goods and items at a fixed and reasonable price. The passages are covered either by tiles, ceiling girder or large eaves. You can purchase in Medina perfumes, sponges, Tunisian clothes and ceramics and many more things.
The Fortified Mosque
The main mosque of Sousse was built in the 9th century. Very few mosques in Tunisia have undergone major changes when compared to the fortified mosque of Sousse, thus leaving some of its parts incomplete. The domed kiosk which serves as the minaret was added to the structure in the 11th century. The architectural style of the mosque is simple and it displays the religious thinking and life-styles of the people of Sousse who built the mosque. The area through the main gate which faces the prayer hall is prohibited to the non-Muslims.
The Ribat
The Ribat is a North African name for holy men. The elegant Ribat was constructed in 821 AD by the Aghlabid rulers as a fortress against the Sicilian Christians. The Ribat at present stands on the Place Farhat Hached. Three of the sides around the courtyard were the rooms confined to the soldiers and the 4th side of the courtyard was the prayer hall. On climbing the tower, you can have a spectacular view across the medina, the Great Mosque and the port.
The Kasbah
Kasbah is on the south-western side of the medina. The main feature of the Kasbah is the 9th century Khalef el Fata watchtower which is 30 meters high. The Kasbah also houses the town museum and also has an impressive collection of mosaics.
Sousse Archaeological Museum
The Sousse Archaeological Museum is located in the Kasbah and prides to be the second most popular museum having some important collection of mosaics. Besides mosaics, the other important objects to be seen in the museum are vases, masks, statues and burial tombs. The objects belong to the era of Romans. The museum also has objects from Christian catacombs and mosaics displaying scenes from amphitheaters.
Traditional Museum of Kalaout el-Koubba
The Kalaout el-Koubba has its history which dates back to the 11th or 12th century. The museum is typically Fatimid architectural style. The exterior as well as the interior of the museum of Kalaout el-Koubba is well-decorated and is very attractive, especially the dome which is irregular diagonal lines on its surface. The museum is open from Monday through Thursday from 9:30-13:00, on Saturdays from 15:00-17:30 and on Sundays from 10:00-14:00.
The Dar Essid
The Dar Essid is a house and a privately owned museum. In the 19th century, it was home to an official and his families which include his two wives. It is typically an inner quarter of the upper class family. Though the house is congested, but it has rooms well decorated featuring some traditional and some European objects whereas some are of private creativity. The most curious object in the house is the Roman oil lamp. On the top of the house is the servants’ quarter which is now used as the café.
Zaouia Zakkak
The Zaouia Zakkak is to be located close to the popular Medina shopping streets and it is considered to be one the greatest examples of Ottoman art and architecture. The minaret of the Zaouia Zakkak is octagonal in shape and tile work and decorations is done in blue-green stone which are influenced by Andalucian art.
Catacombs
Catacombs are not far from the medina. It is often mistaken to be hiding place for Christians to save themselves from persecution during the Roman Empire. The tunnel of the Catacombs stretches more than 5 km and houses 15,000 graves. Only 100 meters of the tunnel is open for the visitors but through the iron gates you can look tunnel which is lit by soft lights.
El Kantaoui
El Kantaoui is an enchanting white and blue Tunisian village. It is a perfect place to house over 300 boats, an 18 hole golf course and play various games from water skiing to riding. It charms the tourist with Andalucian arches, the cobblestone streets and lamp-lit docks which have many boutiques, hotels and souvenir shops.
The Beach
The Beach of Sousse is a popular place among the tourist. You can also enjoy playing ball game with the Tunisians.
Festivals
If you are planning to celebrate some festivals in Sousse, you can attend the Sousse International Festival which is held from July through August. In the month of December, you can celebrate the Mediterranean Olive Tree festival in Kalaa Debira and in the month of July, you can celebrate Sidi El Kantaoui Festival in Hammam Sousse.
Getting Around
Sousse is very well connected with the capital city of Tunisia and the best transport connections all through out the city. The city has only one station for the shared taxis as well as for the buses. It has one train station which is close to the bus station. Sousse shares airport with Monastir which is located very close to the city. To reach all these stations and airports, you can rent a car in Tunisia and the prices can be adjusted.
Sousse has excellent rail connections with Tunis, Sfax, Gabès, Gafsa/ Metlaoui/ Tozeur and Hammamet/ Nabeul. The airport of Skanès-Monastir offers flights to main Tunisian towns and can be reached by bus No. 52 or on the Métro du Sahel. Métro du Sahel has regular service every hour between Sousse and Monastir. You can get bus services to Tunis, Kairouan, Sfax, Gabès, Gafsa, Le Kef and Kasserine from Gare Routière which is located in Léopold Senghor.