Jendouba

Jendouba is a compact agricultural city in northwestern Tunisia and the capital of Jendouba Governorate. Known as Souk El Arba until 1966, it lies in the fertile Medjerda river valley, where cereal farming has long shaped local life and the city's name is often linked to the idea of a 'land of grain'. The surrounding region has deep historical layers. The Roman city of Bulla Regia, with its famous underground villas and mosaics, sits only a few kilometres north of Jendouba, while Chemtou preserves reminders of ancient marble quarrying. In the city itself, an Ottoman-era mosque with an octagonal minaret and the lively central market give the centre a distinct local character. Most daily activity revolves around the city centre, particularly Avenue Habib Bourguiba and the nearby markets, cafés and small shops. Jendouba functions as a gateway to the greener landscapes of the northwest: the coastal town of Tabarka, the pine and cork-oak forests of Aïn Draham, and the Algerian border region are all within reach. Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, supported by grain production, food processing and industrial zones such as those at Bulla Regia and El Ertiah. The railway station connects the city to Tunis and to the cross-border route toward Algeria, reinforcing its long-standing role as a regional transport hub. For travellers, Jendouba offers a practical base for exploring Roman sites and the lush northwest, with a quieter, more local rhythm than Tunisia's coastal resorts. Business visitors are drawn mainly by the agricultural and food-processing sector, while leisure travellers come for history, markets and nearby natural scenery.