It is a city bathed by the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Hammamet. It was founded in the 9th century BC. by Phoenician sailors. In its beginnings it was a large commercial base, with a port and a fortress surrounded by a wall 6.5 kilometers long. It was taken by Spanish troops in 1537 and by Ottoman armies in 1574. In 1881 it fell under the protectorate of France. Although it is associated with the manufacture of olive oil, its active development as a tourist center began in the 80s of the 20th century. It has fine sand beaches. It is considered a popular tourist destination with an average of 1,200,000 annual visitors who come to enjoy its hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, beaches and sports facilities.