Bizerta

“If, from the end of the esplanade, following the inner port, we head to the right, we come to the old customs building. Just behind it is the grand Hotel Paix; and, if we continue further on, we come to the old port and Bab-al-Tunis.

The old port is not used very much now: you only see small boats loaded with wine from Spain, especially coming from the province of Alicante, and some larger, local boats with tall masts and Latin sails, fleets to transport cereals to Tunis. They are sailed by vigorous Arab sailors, hardworking and sober. In large measure, they owe their health and robust aspect to their frugality, while Europeans weaken with drink.” ( Ph. 14)

Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, Bizerte, J. Rothschild, Paris, 1900 (Prague, 1897)