>Borj El Kastil (برج القسطيل) is one of the few forts from medieval times that was partially spared. It is located at the tip of Ras Kastil, a peninsula located southeast of Djerba, 10 km east of El Kantara. The ruins of Fort Kastil in Djerba are located in a natural area classified as a local nature reserve.
Unfortunately, it is in an advanced state of degradation due to the sea which during rainy periods invades the land around the Borj, which is barely above the current sea level. The fort of Borj El Kastil is a square 40 m on a side, with ramparts 12 m high and 1.30 m thick. It was built around 1289 by the Aragonese conquistador Roger de Lauria, near the ancient city Meninx, he placed an important garrison there at the time. It was initially called "Castello", before taking the name of Borj El Kastil.
Recovered by the inhabitants of the island in 1335, the fortress is now only a well-preserved ruin, and visible only from the outside. The fort was restored for the first time in the 15th century by the Hafsid sultan, then again in the 16th century by the Ottomans and in the 17th century by Hammouda Pasha Bey. Not far from the Borj there is the sanctuary of Sidi Marcil (Saint Marcel) where even today women who cannot have children come with the hope of being able to become pregnant. By decree of September 1, 2000, Borj El Kastil is part of the list of protected and classified historical and archaeological monuments of the governorate of Medenine, list established by the National Institute of Heritage. (Various sources: Petit Futé by Dominique Auzias, wikipedia, marhba.com, jerba.be, wikimania, National Institute of Heritage).
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Soufiene Mestaoui
6 months agoVery beautiful landscape, a very quiet place and a clean beach, the fort is in very poor condition unfortunately the authorities have not done any work to preserve such a monument which is falling into ruins
Nabil Ayachi
a month agoBorj El Kastil is reached today easily by a path formerly called: Triq Ejmel: the camel trail! (Be careful this can be dangerous) The fortress was built towards the end of the 13th century by Roger de Loria, admiral of the king of Sicily, Peter of Aragon. It is a massive, almost square monument, 30 meters on each side, with 10 meter high walls, flanked by four corner towers. It was restored several times, including one last time, in the 17th century during the reign of Bey Hamouda Pasha. Unfortunately the Bordj is in an advanced state of degradation due to the sea which during rainy periods invades the land around the Bordj which is located a little above the current sea level. Once again, it should be emphasized that the two forts to the right and left of the Roman causeway were advanced military posts, to send their artillery to enemy boats around the Island. As for the passage of the camels, it was on the west side, joining Terbella to the mainland.
John Raharijohn
one year agoA must see in Quad, beach with blue and transparent sea, magnificent place
Virginie Lecomte
one year agoSuperb view a deserted place you can see no one ruined castle excellent sea you feel alone in the world access by buggy and quad.
Frédéric Michel
9 months agoVery pretty remains. Please don't leave your trash lying around people...