The Living History : A Guide to the Iconic Buildings of Hammamet in Tunisia

Exploring the Heritage Buildings of Hammamet: A Journey Through History

Hammamet is a city where history and architecture harmoniously intersect, offering visitors a genuine immersion into the past. Beyond its sunny beaches and picturesque landscapes, the city is a guardian of a rich built heritage. Its monuments, whether religious, military, or civil, testify to the diverse influences Andalusian, Ottoman, and European—that have shaped its evolution over the centuries.

These heritage buildings tell the story of Hammamet, its traditions, struggles, and moments of glory. Each building embodies a part of the city’s soul from the fortified Medina to its colonial palaces. In this article, we invite you to explore these architectural gems, true witnesses of time, that continue to enrich the culture and identity of Hammamet.

In the heart of Hammamet, the past and present dance together, creating a vibrant tapestry of life..

Quote about Hammamet

List of the Heritage Buildings of Hammamet

In our exploration, we present a curated list of Hammamet’s most iconic monuments, each a testament to the town’s architectural and cultural evolution. From the majestic Christian Cemetery of Hammamet to the serene Zawiya de Sidi Bouhdid, these structures embody the rich tapestry of Hammamet’s heritage. Each monument offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the intricate designs and historical significance that have shaped the identity of this enchanting town.

Christian Cemetery of Hammamet

Adjacent to the ramparts, the Christian Cemetery was commissioned by Commander Désiré Bordier in November 1881 to bury 12 French soldiers. In 1884, it became the Catholic cemetery for the Hammamet parish and later the European cemetery in 1914. The cemetery spans approximately 1,000 square meters and features simple funerary architecture, including five chapels for families like Lamantia and Sferlazzo. Today, it contains about a hundred graves.

Dar Eyquem

Built in the early 20th century by Master Jacques Eyquem, Dar Eyquem served as a guest house during Simone Eyquem’s time. After renovations, it became a cultural meeting place for artists. The house showcases a modernized Arab style, complete with a garden, a marabout, and a chapel, reflecting Master Eyquem’s universal spirit.

Dar Henson

Dar Henson was created by Jean and Violet Henson in 1927. This house mirrors traditional Hammamet architecture, with a central patio and four rooms. Its façade boasts three symmetrical arches supported by twisted Venetian-style columns. After the Hensons’ death, the house passed to Leila Menchari and later her nephew, Hassan Annabi.

Boys’ School (L’École de Garçons ) 

Boys’ School , also known as  Abou Al-Kacem Chebbi prepSchool, was Hammamet’s first public primary school for boys, established in 1885-1886. Featuring neo-Moorish architecture, the school underwent significant restoration in 2021 to ensure its preservation for future generations.

Girls’ School (Ecole de Filles) 

The School opened on April 1, 1917, originally serving boys until it became a girls’ school in 1931. Its design includes simple classrooms that open onto a courtyard. The building requires restoration efforts for better preservation.

Catholic Church

Constructed in 1884 in the European neighbourhood, the Catholic Church was intended for various religious celebrations. It was blessed in 1909 but demolished in 1971. The original structure featured a Byzantine-Moorish style with three naves. A new church was built in 1968, offering a more local design, though its capacity remains limited for large gatherings.

Hotel de France

Built-in late 1897 and originally named Hotel de France et la Plage, this establishment was the first hotel in Hammamet, marking the start of the city’s hotel industry during the colonial era. Over the years, it changed hands among various owners but remained a popular destination for European visitors, including numerous celebrities, writers, artists, and politicians. The hotel was celebrated for its architectural charm, featuring a blend of colonial, Arabesque, and neo-Moorish styles. Until 1957, it was Hammamet’s only hotel, embodying the seeds of today’s thriving tourism sector. In 1971, after Tunisia gained independence, it became the town’s municipal headquarters. Unfortunately, like the former Catholic church, it was demolished in 1999 and replaced with a “more modern” building, ending an architectural and cultural heritage era in Hammamet.

The Fortress Of Hammamet

The Fortress Of Hammamet, also known as Ribat, was built in 893 AC in the southwestern corner of the Medina to monitor the sea against raids. It has served various purposes, including barracks and a prison. The fort features thick curtain walls made of rammed earth and is a popular tourist destination today, often hosting cultural events.

Dar Sebastien – International Cultural Center of Hammamet

Dar Sebastian, constructed between 1927 and 1932 by Romanian aristocrat Georges Sebastian, reflects traditional architecture with a modern twist. Built by local master masons using ancestral techniques, its striking design features sharp arches, Roman-inspired capitals, and a colour palette emphasizing white and black. It is now classified as cultural heritage.

Hammamet Train Station

The Hammamet Train Station, inaugurated on August 26, 1895, was built by the Bône-Guelma railway company to serve the emerging European city. Characterized by colonial architectural style, the station features a self-supporting wall of local stones and a sloping terracotta-tiled roof, becoming an iconic example of railway stations in Tunisia.

Great Mosque (Al-Jamaa al-Kbir)

The Great Mosque, known as Al-Jamaa al-Kbir, is located east of the Medina. While part dates back to the 12th century, the current structure was built in 1236 during the Hafsid period. It features a courtyard, prayer halls from different periods, and an imposing square minaret, reflecting the local Maliki tradition.

Zawiya of Sidi Bouhdid

This late 18th-century Zawiya of Sidi Bouhdid is situated in the southeastern part of the Medina. Sidi Bouhdid, the patron saint of fishermen, originally came from Morocco. The religious complex includes a mausoleum with a large dome and a gallery leading to a courtyard with a cistern known for its curative water.

Hammam Belghith (Sidi Belghith)

Hammam Belghith (Sidi Belghith) is a public bath established in the early 17th century by Abul-l-Gayth al-Qachache. Known for protecting inhabitants from Ottoman abuses, it consists of several rooms (changing room, cold room, warm room, and hot room) and was built in response to the needs of the population after maritime attacks.

Hammam Sidi Kilani (Jilani)

Built at the end of the 19th century by Hadj Hmaida Ben Salem, Hammam Sidi Kilani is a family heritage in Hammamet. Located on the republic avenue, it serves men in the morning and women in the afternoon. The building’s Arab-Muslim style reflects the region’s cultural traditions.

Villa des Oliviers (Mootamdia)

It was constructed in the early 20th century by Mr. Tartin, located in the city centre of Rue Ali Belhouane. This villa features a neo-Moorish architectural style, combining Western and local designs, although it urgently needs restoration.

Ramparts of the Medina

The ramparts of the Medina of Hammamet surround the city to protect it from maritime incursions and tribal attacks. Their construction dates back to the Aghlabids in the 9th century, with significant modifications over the centuries, including adaptations for firearms. Classified as historical monuments, they include several access gates to the Medina.

Zawiya of Sidi Ben Issa

The Zawiya of Sidi Ben Issa, located on Avenue de la République, was founded in the 16th century and reconstructed in the 18th century. Known for its ceremonies blending African rites and ancient traditions, the building has been restored and now houses the Association for the Safeguarding of the City of Hammamet.

Hôtel Yasmina

Hotel Yasmina, inaugurated in 1969 on Avenue Habib Bourguiba, was designed by architect Larocca. Constructed in a Mediterranean architectural style, it features a patio and harmonious layout. Currently abandoned, it exemplifies endangered heritage in urgent need of intervention.

AERE Hammamet: Guardians of Heritage

AERE Hammamet initiated this project. Founded in 2001, AERE Hammamet is a non-governmental organization. It promotes environmental awareness, education, and responsible participation in environmental management. Their guides for historical buildings reflect a commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism.

AERE Hammamet’s initiatives focus on themes such as the Mediterranean coastal ecosystem, sustainable tourism, biodiversity, and heritage preservation. They engage the community through school projects and direct outreach to children and youth. Their work enhances knowledge of historical sites and encourages citizens to appreciate and manage their local heritage sustainably.