After Tebourba and Oudna, we're going to talk about another landmark in Tunisian history, the town of Zaghouan.
Located south of Tunis, around 1 hour from the center of the capital, Zaghouan is nestled on the slopes of Djebel Zaghouan, overlooking a vast agricultural plain. Zaghouan is known for its ancient infrastructure, but also for the delicacy of the local culinary heritage.
I. On site... The essentials
Is it possible that you haven't heard of the Temple des Eaux? This superb temple dedicated to Neptune, located on the slopes of Djebel Zaghouan, was built on the model of Roman theaters. Its construction was ordered by Emperor Hadrian following the severe droughts between 123 and 128 AD ,which particularly affected Carthage. The temple is composed of side steps leading to the sacred chamber, where water worship rites were held, and a corridor leading to a large central courtyard that opens onto a large basin used to collect water from Djebel Zaghouan. Some of the statues that once adorned the temple are now on display at theBardoNational Museum.
The famous aqueduct that runs from Zaghouan to Carthage (where the remains of the Maalga cisterns can still be seen ) is part of this same Roman hydraulic complex. As the classic system of cisterns for storing rainwater proved its limits during droughts, the aqueduct was used to bring water from springs in the surrounding mountain ranges to Carthage .Abandoned for several centuries, it was made functional again between the 10th and 13th centuries, then neglected again, before being restored on the advice of consul Léon Roches, in 1859 under the reign of Sadok Bey.
History and culture are all very well. But, as you know, we're also lovers of good food, and Zaghouan has its own little local speciality that we'd like to mention in an article about this town, a speciality thatwe think should be celebrated with dignity at a little local fair .Gourmets will no doubt be familiar with kaak warka, that classic of traditional Tunisian pastry , usually flavored with rosewater. But the best are those flavored withrosehip flower water , with a more subtle flavor. You can't visit Zaghouan without taking home a box ofthese doughnut-shaped morsels, covered in a thin, crunchy white crust that gives way under the tooth, then gives way to a melting marzipan heart with the flavors of a thousand and one nights. Visit one of the city's patisseries to discover and fill up on these sweet treats.
Of course, this is a good excuse to explore this pretty little town, which can easily be visited by bike. So don't hesitate to venture into the heart of the city, with its warm, lively streets ...As with all the sites a little out of the way of Tunis, it's difficult to make the journey from the capital or its suburbs by bike . As areminder, Le Lemon Tour offers rental equipment fortransporting bikes, or for family outings with the little ones.
II. Nearby walks and hikes
The countryside around Zaghouan is well worth a visit. A little further afield, you can lose yourself in the green expanses of olive groves bordered by rose-hip hedges thatsurround the Djebel Zaghouan, and enjoy a sunset with a view of the mountain... And don't forget that it's possible to organize hikes or bike rides in and around the Djebel.
Apps such as Wikiloc and Alltrails provide itinerary ideas for hikers... If you want to go it alone, you'll need to prepare your hike or bike ride carefully .Beware: some parts of Mount Zaghouan can be very steep, and may even require you to climb a few meters, so make sure you get the right information before you set off, and don't hesitate to ask local guides for help.
Here's a practical reminder: don't forget to pack all your gear! Bring hiking boots, a cap and sunscreen. Always take enough water, especially in hot weather. Slip a few dried fruits and dates into your bag, for a little energy boost if you're ever feeling peckish, and remember to pack a small first-aid kit, particularly useful when setting off with children (bandages of various sizes, sterile compresses, antiseptic, stretch bandage, healing cream, mosquito spray...).) And I always take a little fouta with me, this small, unobtrusive towel is very useful for sitting on sandy ground, orwiping off after an impromptu swim ...The same recommendations for caution, preparation and equipment apply to bicycle outings . It's essential to find out everything you need to know beforehand, to avoid any unpleasant surprises once you're on the trail. But of course, you can also contact Le Lemon Tour to accompany you and guarantee the serenity of your cycling outings, or to purchase the equipment you need for your two-wheeled escapades.
III. Just a few kilometers away...
The Lemon Tour offers, among other things, an itinerary of cycling tourfrom Oudna, which we mentioned in a previous article, as well asday trips around Mount Zaghouan.
While Zaghouan is renowned for its springs (aïns), the famous hammams of the town of Zriba, with its 45°C natural spring , are only eight kilometers away. You can also spend the night at Dar Zaghouan, which offers bed and board.
The Sidi Madyen lake in the Djebel Zaghouan region is the perfect place for a family picnic and a dip on a hot day . You can rent a kayak on site to tour the lake . What's more, adventurers are in for a real treat, as the AREZ association offers a host of original activities: via ferrata, tyrolean traverse, pendulumjump , climbing, caving and accrobranche!
Finally, it's hard not to mention another nearby ancient site just as unmissable as those we've already mentioned in this blog: Tuburbo Majus... But that's another story!
