Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, is divided into three parts: the old city medina, the French/center and the modern regions of the north and south.
The Zitouna Great Mosque was founded in 732 AD in the heart of the Tunis medina and completed by Aghlabid rulers in the 9th century. It was expanded over the next few centuries, resulting in a eclectic mix of styles from Roman to Almohad.
The legendary Punic trading capital of Carthage was famously razed by the Romans after defeating Hannibal. The few remnants at Carthage Museum and remaining ruins can be reached easily by taking the light rail north about 10 miles from Tunis.
The medina/old town is large, well-kept and has its original open-air markets and city gates. Its winding streets of richly preserved culture and exquisite artisans brings memories of a civilization which contributed much to modern culture.