| Al-Jamm | |
 | |
| Information | |
| Country | Tunisia |
| Region | Mahdiyah |
| Population | 21 500 |
| Postal Code | 5160 |
Al-Jamm - a city in the east Tunisia, in the Tunisian Sahel, in the governorate of Mahdia.
Characteristic
Al-Jamm was the Roman city of Thysdrus, one of the most important cities in North Africa after Carthage (now a suburb of modern Tunis). The amphitheater was built around the middle of the 3rd century AD. and could seat up to 35,000 spectators.
The amphitheater fell into disrepair, and its blocks were used to build the surrounding city, and also contributed to the creation of the Great Mosque in Kairuan. In 1979 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was recently used in the filming of some scenes from the Oscar-winning movie Gladiator.
It is worth mentioning that the site has one of the cleanest public bathrooms in Tunisia, located approximately 150 meters to the right of the entrance.
Drive
Al-Jamm is roughly equidistant from Susy and Safakisu, lying right on the main road connecting these two cities.
By plane
Monastir international airport is located between Monastir and Sucha, serving mainly tourist charter traffic.
By rail
A return ticket from Safaiksu should be around 10 DT and take approx. 45 minutes. Alternatively, trains depart for Al-Jamm from Tunis (1st Class around DT 14, ~ 3.5 hours) and Susy (~ 1 hour) in the morning and evening. You can see the top of the Colosseum from the train station. Trains stop at Gare El Jem, 300 m from the amphitheater.
By car
Head south of Susy (north of Safaiksu) for approximately 1 hour; the amphitheater is clearly visible as you approach the city and the exit is well signposted.
Minivans
Departures to Al-Jamm from Susa station (approx. 6 DT, ~ 1 hour). There is no direct public transport between Kairouan and Al-Jamm, you need to change at Susie. Al-Jamm station is minutes west of the train station along Avenue Hedi Chaker.
Taxi
One of the most expensive options that provides the greatest flexibility. Make an appointment for the driver to return or ask him to wait for you. Set a price before heading out and expect to pay 50 dinars or more to return from Sousse or Sapphicus.
Communication
Al-Jamm is a small town and anything of interest to the visitor is within walking distance.
The train is also a very convenient method. The trains are comfortable and the journey is short. You could take the early morning train from Tunis, see Al-Jamm, and take the afternoon train back to Tunis. All in one day, and you too would have some free time to play.
Transportation: Traveling from city to city across the country is easy. There are planes, trains, and buses that run between most major cities. One of the easiest ways to travel in Tunisia is through interconnected taxis (minivans). This is a shared long distance taxi which is a very convenient way to travel in Tunisia. The concept is relatively unconventional for many people from North America and Europe and needs a bit of explanation. http://www.tunisia-live.net/2011/09/14/our-guide-to-travel-by-louage/
Worth seeing
- 1 Amphitheater The amphitheater dominates the modern city and was also present in several scenes of the movie Gladiator. The amphitheater is best viewed at dawn or at sunset, and is also the best time to take pictures. While the grounds may be closed during sunrise or sunset, photos of the area from the surrounding streets are certainly possible.
- 2 Al-Jamm Museum (on the road southwest of the train station). It has a large selection of mosaics and one restored Roman villa that has all the mosaics in place and gives you a real lifestyle. It is adjoined by the rest of this Roman Thysdrus area, with streets and floor plans spread over a large area showing variants of the house and villa plan
make
Climb to the upper levels of the amphitheater and soak up the views. Or, head to the basement beneath the center of the arena and view the rooms where fighting animals would once be caged (this part is much more intact and accessible than the Roman Colosseum counterpart).
work
Science
Shopping
Gastronomy
There are tourist-focused cafes at the entrance to the site (along with polite hawkers who speak several languages). Or try the amphitheater cafe if you're in the mood for an adventure. You will probably get a better price in a "hotel" near the car park.
The supermarket (super-marché) is located on the main road between the train station and the amphitheater.
- Youssef cafe, at the corner of Magasin Général (south of the amphitheater, at the intersection of the C93 and C87 roads). A place where locals spend their time playing cards, watching the streets doing nothing and enjoying their tea and coffee. 0.5DT for a coffee
Events, parties
Accommodation
Accommodation options are severely limited. Most visitors to Al-Jamm visit the day trip from the nearby villages of Susy or Safaiksu - it is recommended. Day trips can be part of an organized trip or just as easily by train, minivan or taxi.
- Hotel Julius, Rue Taieb Mhiri (50 m from the train station), 216 73 631 006, fax: 216 73 631 009, ✉ [email protected]. Reception 24 hours, with multilingual staff. Coffee shop, free Wi-Fi in reception, outdoor freshwater pool, car rental. 80 DT for a single or double person.
contact
Security
The street souvenir vendors in El Jamm are probably the most rude and pushy in the whole country. If you're coming by bus, they'll gather around it before parking and attack you the moment you leave. Remember that you have absolutely no obligation to buy anything, no matter how much they insist. If they return the item for sale to you and ask for money, refusing to accept the item when you return it, simply put the item on the ground and walk away. A rude hiss will become worse, but they are not a threat, only an annoyance. Stay calm and ignore them.
Tourist information
Where next
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