Tozeur

In south-western Tunisia, by the chott el Djerid. 450 km south-west of Tunis, 95 km south-west of Gafsa, 90 km west of Kebili, 210 km west of Gabes. Railway station (Tunis-Sfax-Gafsa line) International airport. Tozeur (Arabic: توزر‎) is an oasis and a city in central Tunisia. The city is located North West of Chott el-Djerid, in between this Chott and the smaller Chott el-Gharsa. It is the capital of the Tozeur Governorate.

Loacted in the southwest of Tunisia Tozeur is a pretty desert town on the fringes of the salt lake of Chott el-Jerid. It was once one of the Roman outposts and a stopping point for the caravans coming from the sub Sahara to trade with the coastal cities of the Mediterranean. Tozeur is world famous for its dates and you will find many palms here. The beauty of this oases, its fabulous 14th century medina and botanical gardens are the main reason to come here. The groves of over 200,000 palms are watered by hundreds of natural springs and the Belvedere park offers a panoramic view.

With hundreds of thousands of palm trees, Tozeur is a large oasis. The dates that are exported from Tozeur are very well known. In ancient times, before the advent of motorized vehicles, the oasis was important for the transportation through the Sahara, which took place in caravans. The name of the city in antiquity was Tusuros, it was an important Roman outpost.

In the medina (old city) of Tozeur, one can find traditional architecture, fashion and workmanship. Like elsewhere in Tunisia, the local population is generally very hospitable towards tourists, and there are also many tourist facilities. From Tozeur one can make trips on a camel, explore the Sahara Desert and get to know the Chott el-Djerid, where one can see fata Morgana's.

The medina, restored to its original beauty boasts a an interesting museum, the Dar Chariet. Built in the authentic style of Tunisian palace it displays in a true life setting rare manuscripts, jewelry, ceramics and ornaments as wells as wax figures of the traditional artisans at work. Besides the Dar Chariet museum, the medina, a museum in itself offers another smaller treasure house of ancient coins, doors, bridal apparel and antique weapons. The remarkable architecture of Tozeur, with its Moorish arches and high vaulted ceilings is a treat. Tozeur is good place to hunt for souvenirs. The shops in the medina offer locally woven carpets, Berber jewelry and ornaments.