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.