Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN)–If you want to enjoy visiting an enchanting destination while helping preserve its heritage, the village of Takrouna in Tunisia is one of the places you should not miss.
Whether you want to take a short walk, drink a cup of coffee, or go for a half-day experience, this village interests all kinds of travellers.
A charming village on a plateau
The Berber village of Takrouna is one of the oldest Berber villages, and one of the last historical sites in the governorate of Sousse, Tunisia, which symbolizes the Berber civilization in the Maghreb region, which has continued, according to some studies, thousands of years ago, according to the official account of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Tunisia via Facebook. “.
Takrona is a village perched on a hill 300 meters high, like a falcon’s nest, according to the official website of the Ministry of Local Affairs and Environment of the municipality of Enfidha in Tunisia.
In an interview with CNN in Arabic, Austin Hand, Director of Tunisia Tours Operations for Engaging Cultures, said: “Takouna offers great views of the rugged Zaghouan hills, and the blue Mediterranean from afar.”
Like other Berber villages across North Africa, it was built on a plateau as an element of defence.
There are only a few families left living in the old village, so it is considered a very historical village.
A visit to Takrona gives travelers a close look at Tunisia’s Berber heritage in an accessible way.
The village is located just an hour from Sousse, also on the way to Kairouan, another location that is on most travelers’ itinerary plans, said Hand, an American who has lived in Tunisia with his family for more than 10 years.
Establishing personal connections
Engaging Cultures offers customized tours of destinations in the Middle East and North Africa for travelers who want a unique experience.
Her unique experiences are due to the development of her tours by seasoned travelers who live in the area and have real relationships with the locals.
Visitors to the village have the opportunity to interact with locals eager to preserve their heritage, and have a meal, or drink tea with a Berber family in their homes.
Visitors believe that spending time with a local family in Takouna is a highlight of their trip, and it gives them the opportunity to personally connect with a family in their home and feel connected to Takrona,” says Hand.
While walking around the village, you will hear regarding Berber customs and traditions that go back many centuries, and you will be able to imagine what life was like in Tunisia for its early inhabitants.
And if travelers are interested in handicrafts, the small souvenir shops are worth a visit, as they are owned by locals.
Travelers can also go for a short walk among the olive groves.
Depending on the season, families can take you to an orchard to show you how to harvest olives, part of Berber culture for thousands of years.
Travelers who stop for even less than 40 minutes explained that there was something special regarding visiting the village. “I think part of that is because everyone is enjoying the beautiful scenery, which is definitely what Takrona is special regarding,” Hand confirmed.
