The abandoned villages/cities of Guermassa, Douiret, and Chenini in the Dahar Mountains in Southern Tunisia, are enduring remnants of Berber heritage. Guermassa, a striking 12th-century fortress carved into rocky peaks, features troglodytic dwellings that stretch nearly 1.5 km along the crest. Abandoned in the 1970s due to modernization, it stands as a testament to its era. Douiret, established about 600 years ago as a fortified granary and caravan stop, thrived until the mid-20th century before being gradually deserted. Chenini, believed to have been founded in the 12th century, remains partially inhabited. The villages’ eerie windswept beauty, seamlessly blending with the dramatic Saharan landscape, captivates with a timeless, haunting allure that evokes an otherworldly charm.

Tunisia is home to some of the most significant Roman and Punic ruins in North Africa: Dougga is considered the best-preserved Roman small town in North Africa. It features a mix of Punic, Numidian, and Roman structures. UNESCO World Heritage Site. El Jem (Thysdrus) is home to one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheaters, with a capacity of 35,000, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built around 238 CE. Bulla Regia is a unique Roman site known for its underground villas, designed to stay cool in the hot climate, likely inspired by Berber architecture. The Bardo National Museum is showcasing Roman Africa’s artistic peak, its collection is the most comprehensive in Tunisia. Sousse Archaeological Museum houses the second-largest collection of Roman mosaics in Tunisia. Sbeitla (Sufetula) is a Roman city founded in the 1st century CE, known for its serene setting and well-preserved trio of temples dedicated to Minerva, Jupiter, and Juno. Carthage was founded by Phoenicians in the 9th century BCE, it was the capital of the Punic Empire until its destruction in 146 BCE during the Third Punic War, after that rebuilt as a major Roman city. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tunisia’s old medinas are living historic quarters, with labyrinths of narrow streets, souks, mosques, palaces and courtyards that reflect centuries of Arab, Amazigh (Berber), Ottoman, and Mediterranean influence. The Medina of Sousse, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a remarkably well-preserved 9th-century fortified coastal town. It boasts impressive ramparts, the iconic Ribat fortress, and a maze of narrow streets that seamlessly blend military architecture with lively souks. The Medina of Monastir centers around the renowned Ribat of Monastir, underscoring the city’s historic role as a strategic coastal stronghold. The Medina of Mahdia stretches along a narrow peninsula, with winding streets, artisan shops, and sea views from its ancient walls, nearby cliffside marine cemetery, and the ancient Punic harbor. The Medina of Sfax is fully enclosed by impressive 9th–14th-century ramparts and is renowned for its Great Mosque and authentic everyday urban life. Hammamet's picturesque Old Medina is a whitewashed labyrinth of narrow alleys and ancient fortifications by the sea, with charming souks and panoramic Mediterranean views from its 15th-century walls. One of Islam’s holiest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kairouan’s Medina preserves a classic medieval Arab-Muslim urban layout, with winding streets, the monumental Great Mosque, and numerous other historic mosques. The Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 7th–8th centuries, contains over 700 historic monuments, including the iconic Zitouna Mosque, ornate palaces, and endless souks.