HAMMAMAT, AL-

also spelled Hammammet, fishing port and beach resort, northeastern Tunisia, on Al-Hammamat Gulf. Al-Hammamat (Arabic: Bathing Places) is located on the southeast coast of Cape Bon Peninsula, on the border of the Sahil region, and between the Roman sites of Siagum and Pupput, approximately 30 miles (50 km) from Tunis. It is referred to as the Tunisian Riviera, because of its sandy beaches, mild winters, and pleasant summers. The town's fortress is believed to have been built in the 13th century AD. The medina (old town) was founded probably in the 15th century and was extended during the Spanish occupation of Tunis (153569) by the Holy Roman emperor Charles V. During World War II the German general Erwin Rommel used Al-Hammamat as his headquarters. A major local attraction is the international cultural centre built in the form of an ancient theatre. Pop. (1989 est.) 32,762.