Jendouba is a sizeable city of around 50,000 inhabitants on the coast of northwest Tunisia. It is the capital of the governorate of Jendouba and an important hub for roads running between other major cities such as Tabarka, Ain Draham and Beja.
One of the main draws to Jendouba is its proximity to the magnificent Roman remains of Bulla Regia and the ancient marble quarry of Chemtou. It was historically an important and prosperous area and has the only University in northwest Tunisia, the University of Jendouba, which was founded in 1970. Jendouba is surrounded by fertile plains and its main income is derived from agriculture, in particular wheat. It is at an elevation of 165 metres above sea level where the Medjerda and Mellegue Rivers merge, at the foothills of the Medjerda Mountains which stretch right across the Algerian border. The town itself is pleasant with tree-lined streets arranged on a grid pattern.
The houses are particularly noteworthy for their ornate windows and gates. The walls are often decorated with local scenes. One of the highlights of the town is the War Cemetery. The Roman ruins, baths, temples, mosaics and villas of Bulla Regia are just 7km from Jendouba and are the main attraction for visitors to the area.
Practicalities
Getting There
There are about 6 trains a day to Jendouba from Tunis and the journey takes about 3 hours. The daily express train takes 2½ hours and costs around ten Tunisian dinars.
Where to Stay
Jendouba has a choice of budget hotels. One of the best known is the Hotel Atlas, a simple pension near the railway station. The best hotel in town, but still pretty basic, is the Simitthu which offers clean rooms with ensuite bathrooms and satellite TV. It is close to the bus and minibus station which is handy for those wanting to visit Bulla Regia.
Restaurants
The town has some local restaurants, cafés and tea rooms but nothing high-end.
Nightlife
The Hotel Simitthu has a bar but no other obvious signs of nightlife.Climate in JendoubaThe best months to visit Jendouba are between April and October when temperatures range from 20-32C (68-90F). July and August can be very hot and humid. Winters are mild with more frequent showers.
Currency
The town has several banks for exchanging foreign currency and making withdrawals with Visa or Mastercard credit cards.TransportJendouba is well served by trains from other major cities. Local buses, minibuses, louages and taxis all offer cheap transport to the sights of Bulla Regia, 7km away.
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