Beja, Tunisia Attractions
Chief town of the governorate of Béja
The flourishing agricultural center of Béja, chief town of the governorate of that name, lies in the fertile Medjerda valley, in the foothills of Djebel Acheul. The town owed its prosperity in the past to the growing of grain, but this has now given place to sugar-cane. The crop is processed in a sugar refinery in the town.
History
The site, known in antiquity as Vaga, is believed to have been occupied since the sixth century B.C. In 146 B.C. it became part of Masinissa's kingdom, and in 109 B.C. was conquered by Metellus. Situated in the center of the province of Ifriqiya, the granary of Rome, it developed into an important market for corn. Sallust (85-35 B.C.), who was governor of the province of Africa Nova for some years, refers to a sanctuary of Ceres/Demeter and to a lively festival in honor of Ceres. In A.D. 448 the town was destroyed by the Vandals, but it was later rebuilt and fortified by Justinian. A raid by Beni Hilal nomads in the 11th century laid waste the surrounding countryside, and the town recovered only during the French occupation. It is now the principal market town and communications center of the Medjerda area.
Access
Béja lies 109km/68mi west of Tunis on GP 6 (Tunis-Jendouba). There are regular rail connections with Tunis, Jendouba and Tabarka.
The flourishing agricultural center of Béja, chief town of the governorate of that name, lies in the fertile Medjerda valley, in the foothills of Djebel Acheul. The town owed its prosperity in the past to the growing of grain, but this has now given place to sugar-cane. The crop is processed in a sugar refinery in the town.
History
The site, known in antiquity as Vaga, is believed to have been occupied since the sixth century B.C. In 146 B.C. it became part of Masinissa's kingdom, and in 109 B.C. was conquered by Metellus. Situated in the center of the province of Ifriqiya, the granary of Rome, it developed into an important market for corn. Sallust (85-35 B.C.), who was governor of the province of Africa Nova for some years, refers to a sanctuary of Ceres/Demeter and to a lively festival in honor of Ceres. In A.D. 448 the town was destroyed by the Vandals, but it was later rebuilt and fortified by Justinian. A raid by Beni Hilal nomads in the 11th century laid waste the surrounding countryside, and the town recovered only during the French occupation. It is now the principal market town and communications center of the Medjerda area.
Access
Béja lies 109km/68mi west of Tunis on GP 6 (Tunis-Jendouba). There are regular rail connections with Tunis, Jendouba and Tabarka.
Henchir Rhiria
At Henchir Rhiria (9km/6mi west of Béja) and Fej Geddour (13km/8mi west) are remains of Roman buildings, including a basilica (not yet excavated) and a large gateway.
Henchir el Fouar
At Henchir el Fouar (8km/5mi northeast of Béja on the road to Mateur), ancient Belalia Major, excavations begun in the 1960s have brought to light a small forum, baths and two Christian basilicas. A Muslim fort was later built on the foundations of the larger of the two basilicas.
Kasbah
The Kasbah which rises above Béja goes back to the time of Justinian, when the town was named Theodoriana in honor of the Emperor's wife. At one time it had twenty towers and three gates. A steep stepped lane leads up to it. From the top there are fine views of the town and surrounding area. There are only scanty remains of the old fortress, including a keep with two round towers.
Old Town
The old town of Béja with its numerous mosques and bustling streets lined by shops is well worth a visit. The former church is now a House of the People. In front of it can be seen the little mausoleum of Sidi Bou Arbaa. At the end of Rue Kheireddine, near the remains of an ancient gate (Bab el Ain), is an ancient fountain. In the western district of Mzara are cave dwellings.
Trajan's Bridge
13km/8mi south of Béja, spanning the Oued Béja, is the Pont de Trajan (Trajan's Bridge). It is reached on MC 76, which runs broadly parallel to the railroad; part of the road is in poor condition. The bridge, excellently preserved, is 70m/77yds long, with three arches. It is believed to have been built in A.D. 29 to carry the road from Carthage to Bulla Regia.
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