Kelibia Fort, Military citadel in Cap Bon, Tunisia
Kelibia Fort is a stone citadel sitting on a rocky promontory that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and the northeastern coast of Tunisia. The structure spreads across multiple levels with fortification walls, bastions, and internal spaces that together form a defensive stronghold.
The site was first founded by the Carthaginians and later used by dynasties like the Zirids before the Ottomans rebuilt and reinforced it during the 16th century. This redesign transformed it into a modern military fortress to control Mediterranean shipping routes.
The fort displays building elements from different periods that become visible as you walk through it. The stone walls carry traces of Punic, Zirid, and Ottoman construction, reflecting the site's layered past.
Access to the fort requires climbing steep paths and stairs, especially to reach the bastions and viewpoints at the top. Sturdy footwear is important, and visiting in cooler morning or evening hours is better since it can get very sunny and hot during the day.
During World War II, the fort served as a strategic military position for Italian and German forces controlling the bay. This wartime use left traces that visitors can still spot today in certain areas of the site.
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