Monday Escape: Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
Is your favorite color blue? If so, then you may have found your architectural paradise in Sidi Bou Said, which is known for the extensive blue and white colors everywhere in town. The colors beautifully contrast against the pleasant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea which the town overlooks.
Sidi Bou Said is located close to both Tunisia’s largest city, Tunis, as well as one of the country’s top tourist destinations in Hammamet, offering a relaxing getaway from the bustle without being too remote. It can be reached by taking the TGM train, which runs fron Tunis to La Marsa.
The town got its name from the prominent muslim religious figure, Abou Said ibn Khalef ibn Yahia Ettamini el Beji, who lived there, and today it has the reputation of being a place for artists. It has been the home for famous artists like Paul Klee, Gustave-Henri Jossot, August Macke, Saro Lo Turco and Louis Moillet. Most of the town’s artists today are members of the Ecole de Tunis, a painting school.
If you’re interested in traveling or moving to Tunisia, by far the best resource for connecting with other expats in the country is the community forum at Tunisia.com. Check out the site, you’ll be buying your ticket in no time!
We are always looking for a place to eventually settle down. This photo is making me think Tunisia is the place. Starting our travels again at the end of this year and were planning on ending up in West Africa sometime after a year. Now Tunisia will definitely be a stop for us!
Actually Sidi Bou Saïd is located IN Tunis. La Marsa, La Soukra, Sidi Bou, etc. are all just little neighborhoods within Tunis