La Goulette

Welcome to La Goulette, Tunis Metropole

La Goulette, located in the Tunis Metropole of Tunisia, is a vibrant coastal district known for its multicultural heritage, historic port, and dynamic neighbourhoods. Once renowned as a cosmopolitan gateway to Tunis, today it charms visitors with its maritime history, diverse architecture, and lively local culture. (lagoulettecruiseport.com)

Historical Context

The Fort of La Goulette—known locally as Karraka—was constructed in 1535 by the Spanish to defend access to Tunis and its lagoon. Captured by the Ottomans in 1574, it later served as a prison ('bagne'), giving the term 'Karaka' its modern meaning. Today, remnants of both Spanish and Ottoman fortifications remain, testament to La Goulette’s strategic importance.

Landmarks

• Fort of La Goulette (Karraka): A 16th-century coastal fortress with layered Spanish and Ottoman architecture, historically used as a prison. Occasionally hosts cultural events.
• La Petite Sicile: Former settlement area of Maltese and Sicilian immigrants, offering a distinct cultural atmosphere in the heart of La Goulette.
• Église Saint‑Augustin‑et‑Saint‑Fidèle: Catholic church built between 1848–1872 by Capuchin friars from Sicily, reflecting the Italian-Tunisian heritage.
• Synagogue Beit Mordekhai: A modern-style synagogue from the early 20th century, blending orientalist and classical motifs and rebuilt in 1995.
• Radès–La Goulette Bridge: An extradosed cable-stayed bridge opened in 2009, spanning the Lake of Tunis and replacing ferry traffic.
• Fish Market & Local Promenade: Bustling streets around Roosevelt Avenue offer waterfront cafes, seafood, and market scenes emblematic of La Goulette’s daily life.

Museums

• Dar Edhekra – Museum of the Arts and Traditions of Tunisian Judaism

  A specialized ethnographic museum on Roosevelt Avenue dedicated to Jewish heritage and traditions in Tunisia. (lagoulettecruiseport.com)

  Visit Website

  Opening Hours: Every day from 10 am to 8 pm, except Saturdays (closed) (lagoulettecruiseport.com)

  Ticket Price: Not specified in available sources

• National Bardo Museum (nearby in Tunis)

  Located a few kilometers from La Goulette, this premier museum houses one of the world’s most significant collections of Roman mosaics and exhibits spanning prehistory to Islamic art. (lagoulettecruiseport.com)

  Visit Website

  Opening Hours: From June 1 to September 15: 9:00 am–5:00 pm; September 16 to May 30: 9:30 am–4:30 pm; closed Mondays (bardomuseum.tn)

  Ticket Price: 13 TND (non-residents), 8 TND (residents), 4 TND (Tunisians over 60) (bardomuseum.tn)

Tips for Visitors

• Visit La Petite Sicile and explore Roosevelt Avenue for authentic local dining and cultural ambiance. (lagoulettecruiseport.com)
• Check the schedule in advance for Fort Karraka, as it is only open during occasional cultural events.
• To see extensive archaeological artifacts, plan a visit to the Bardo Museum and check weekday closures (closed Mondays). (bardomuseum.tn)

Sources

• Destination Tunis Carthage & Lagoulette Cruise Port – cultural landmarks and museum info. (lagoulettecruiseport.com)
• Detailed opening hours and pricing for the National Bardo Museum (official site). (bardomuseum.tn)