This year, Republic Day became a double celebration both for the people of Tunisia and for everyone who knows and loves this country. Sidi Bou Said, the white-and-blue pearl of the Tunisian Mediterranean, has officially been included in the list of the most significant and remarkable landmarks on our planet. The decision was made during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held from July 19 to 29 in Busan, South Korea. This incredible festive gift deserves to be shared in more detail.
But first, a few words about Republic Day itself, which Tunisians celebrate on July 25th. This date is connected with the events of 1957, when the country freed itself from centuries of monarchy and Habib Bourguiba became its first president. A true national hero, he was responsible for major reforms in education, healthcare, agriculture, and transport, as well as large-scale democratic transformations in all areas of Tunisia’s political and social life.
Habib Bourguiba dreamed of seeing Tunisia prosper, and this legendary leader would undoubtedly have been delighted by the decision of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in July 2026 to include Sidi Bou Said among the most significant and fascinating attractions in the world. The town, named after the famous Islamic preacher, philosopher, and mystic, seems to have inherited a unique energy that has always attracted creative minds and artists from around the globe.
Sidi Bou Said has inspired such artists as Wassily Kandinsky and Alexandre Roubtzoff, Paul Klee and August Macke. They worked here and enjoyed the charm of local life. Kandinsky, for example, loved having morning coffee on the veranda of a local café, absorbing the beauty that surrounded him. In the 1920s, renowned art collector and patron Baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger succeeded in establishing a rule that all buildings in Sidi Bou Said should be painted exclusively in the iconic white-and-blue palette. Today, this enchanting two-coloured destination attracts romantic photography enthusiasts from all over the world.
Narrow streets climbing up the steep seaside slopes, houses built in the Arab-Andalusian style, art galleries offering relatively affordable original works by contemporary artists, and exhibitions featuring paintings by more established masters — all of this creates the unique atmosphere of Sidi Bou Said. Visitors can also discover charming shops filled with elegant birdcages (during the Roman Empire, carrier pigeons were bred in this region and travelled between Sicily and Tunisia), enjoy tea with pine nuts served on traditional mats at the atmospheric Café Alia, or taste delicious bomboloni doughnuts at the iconic Am Ammar, which opened back in 1932.
Tunisia is one of the key destinations in Carthage Group’s portfolio, and we could talk endlessly about the fascinating places on its tourist map, including, of course, Sidi Bou Said.
However, the best way to truly appreciate this magical town is to see it with your own eyes. We invite our guests to discover its beauty as part of our signature excursions. These include a visit to Sidi Bou Said and the capital city of Tunis, with a walk along the African Champs-Élysées, as well as journeys that also include Carthage, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wishing you unforgettable experiences, dear friends!
