carthage tunisia visit

An explorer’s guide to Carthage’s ancient ruins

Nov 20, 2019 • 6 min read

The view over Carthage from Byrsa Hill is well worth the climb © Romas_Photo / Shutterstock

The fallen city of Carthage , now lying part-excavated among the exclusive whitewashed villas in one of Tunis’ swankiest suburbs, is the stuff of legends. Once a cosmopolitan trading hub and a key Mediterranean maritime power, well-connected Carthage was one of the wealthiest cities in the ancient world, inspiring poetry, mythology and – of course – envy.

But after repeated bloody clashes with their Roman rivals, the Phoenicians’ overgrown colony-turned-capital vanished at the hands of the conquerors from the other side of the Mediterranean, who torched and rebuilt Carthage to their own specifications and enslaved the local population.

Carthage existed for more than 500 years before the Romans took over in 146 BC, but because of the city’s brutal destruction, very little remains of the original Punic capital. However, the spectacular downfall of such a civilisation still captivates modern minds, the Unesco-listed Carthage Archaeological Park remains a common stop on Tunisia itineraries. Here’s what to see on your visit.

Byrsa Hill and the Carthage Museum

Get an overview of history and the site itself by starting a climb up to Byrsa Hill . From this vantage point, you can get an expansive lay of the land with views all the way out to the shimmering Gulf of Tunis and the circular-shaped Punic Ports , whose ingenious design meant that the Carthaginian navy could see out to sea but were hidden from approaching enemy ships. At your feet are the low-level remains of a Hannibal-era residential quarter from around the 3rd century BC, where a well-preserved grid of streets would have seen Carthaginians walking in your same tracks.

Also at the top of the hill is the two-floor Carthage Museum , which houses a collection of archaeological fragments that were found scattered around the sites. Items on display include 4th-century BC stone sarcophagi, colourful mosaics depicting the changing seasons and a statue of a wine-drunk Silenus, companion of Bacchus, the Roman god of the grape harvest. The early 20th-century building was a former Catholic seminary; the nearby colonial French L’Acropolium cathedral, now deconsecrated, is an unrelated but mildly interesting place to poke your head in to puzzle over the odd mix of Moorish, Byzantine and Gothic architectural styles.

Antonine Baths

Easily the most impressive ruins remaining in Carthage are the Roman Antonine Baths , built under Emperor Hadrian and completed during the reign of Antoninus Pius in the 2nd century AD. Parked on prime real estate right on the seaside, this sprawling terme was the largest bath complex outside Rome, highlighting the importance of this city in the wider empire. Today it’s mostly just the foundations of the bathhouse that remain, though the grass-topped arches and stone-hewn tunnels, which once allowed staff to move through basement corridors so that they would not disturb the bathers, certainly beckon visitors to explore. Don’t miss the map of what the complex once looked like near the entrance to help fire up your imagination.

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A reconstructed 15m-tall column gives a taste of just how immense the scale of this complex was: this pillar was one of eight that propped up the massive 22m-by-42m frigidarium (cold room). Narrow passages led to the small tepidarium (warm room) and then to the 10-sided caldarium (hot room) following around the Roman bathing ritual. On both sides of the frigidarium were palaestras (gymnasiums), where bathers could indulge in a spot of naked wrestling before heading to the sauna.

True to their name, the Vandals wrecked the baths in 439 AD, and the Arabs reused stones from Carthage to build Tunis. The baths were fed by the Roman-constructed Zaghouan Aqueduct, and a crumbling section can be spotted northwest of Byrsa Hill. An outstandingly complete and impressive stretch of aqueduct still lines the road between Tunis and Zaghouan near Oudna.

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Roman Theatre

The reconstructed Roman-era theatre northeast of Byrsa Hill has been almost entirely reconstructed; sadly only a small section is made up of the original 2nd-century stones. But its completeness allows for a sense of scale: the theatre is thought to have accommodated up to 5000 spectators. This is the main venue for the annual International Festival of Carthage , which stages music, dance and theatrical performances in July and August.

Roman Villas

This residential quarter near the theatre is testament to the prowess and riches of the Roman empire. The highlight is the reconstructed Villa of the Aviary, which includes a column-ringed courtyard, a scattering of floor mosaics and a terrace with an unbeatable view of the Gulf of Tunis that must have cost this 2nd-century inhabitant a pretty penny. The house is named after the huge peristyle mosaic depicting branches of fruit trees, squirrels, ducks and peacock-like birds with long maroon tail feathers.

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Sanctuary of Tophet

Thought to have been used for ritual sacrifices of children and animals, the haunting Sanctuary of Tophet is speckled with lichen-covered stelae. These tombstones are engraved with symbols and script, such as the sign of Tanit, a marker of the chief Punic deity, which looks something like a stick-figure woman in a dress or an Egyptian ankh (the key of life). When French archaeologists excavated the site in 1921, more than 20,000 urns were found below the stelae and contained the cremated remains and bone fragments of children, making this one of the largest cemeteries of its time.

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Bardo Museum

No, the Bardo Museum isn’t in Carthage, but the recovered statuary and immaculate mosaics that accented the homes of the wealthy in Punic and Roman Carthage are all housed here in what’s arguably North Africa’s finest museum. Mosaic tilework usually covered the floors of entire courtyards, dining rooms and large halls, and the ancient commissioners asked for a wide variety of subjects to be displayed in the colourful tiles. Creatures from the sea and scenes of wine-soaked festivals were popular, but one of the most intriguing is the tiger skin mosaic “rug” splayed out as if it had been caught in a hunt. The museum also contains a statue of the lion-faced goddess Tanit and smirking Punic masks.

How to visit Carthage

The ten archaeological sites of Carthage can be visited with a combined ticket that allows access to all for 12DT (about US$4.20). It’s worth hiring a knowledgeable guide to show you around the Punic and Roman sites; the signage is poor to nonexistent, as are the routes to get between them, sometimes requiring walks along uncomfortably busy roads.

Carthage is northeast of Tunis and has several TGM train stops. The best to alight at is Carthage Hannibal, from where it’s a steep 10-minute walk up to Byrsa Hill.

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Exploring the Ruins of Ancient Carthage: A Visitor's Guide

Written by Jess Lee Updated Jul 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Today, Carthage is a wealthy suburb of Tunis, its villas surrounded by gardens full of red hibiscus blossoms and purple bougainvillea.

The scanty remains of the once mighty Phoenician city of Carthage lie scattered across the neighborhood.

Despite their ruinous state, touring these UNESCO World Heritage Site remnants are one of the top things to do in Tunis and definitely worth a sightseeing trip from the central city to take in the atmosphere of a glorious, long-gone past and admire their beautiful setting backed by the sea.

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Tours of carthage, history of ancient carthage, sights & attractions of carthage.

Because the area containing the ruins of Carthage is quite spread out, with remains and ancient monuments scattered across the neighborhood of Carthage, many people prefer to book a tour of the ruins both for the historical information a guide provides and the benefit of transport between the various sites.

The private Historical Tour of Ancient Carthage is a good option for travelers looking to optimize their time in visiting the ruins, as the tour manages to fit in four of the most important sites, including Tophet, the Punic Port, and Byrsa Hill, all in a half day.

The tour, in a private air-conditioned vehicle, is accompanied by a local expert guide and includes pickup and drop-off from Tunis hotels.

If you only have limited time in Tunis, the Full Day Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, Bardo Museum, and Medina Private Tour manages to whip you around all the city's major tourist attractions.

The tour includes a guided visit to the main ruin areas of Carthage, an included lunch in the city's famed blue and white seaside suburb of Sidi Bou Said, a tour of the acclaimed mosaic collection inside the Bardo Museum, and a short walking tour of Tunis' medina including a visit to the Zitouna Mosque.

You are accompanied by a professional tour guide throughout the tour, and entrance fees to Carthage and the Bardo Museum are included in the tour cost, as is pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

According to legend, Carthage was founded by the King of Tyre's daughter Elissa, after the king and his band of followers fled the Levant following a dispute over succession to the throne.

In 814 BCE, a Numidian prince granted Elissa, her father, and followers land from which the town of Qart Hadasht (known to the Romans as Carthago) sprung up.

In antiquity, the Sebkha Ariana (salt lake) was still linked with the sea, so that Carthage lay at the end of an easily defensible peninsula, linked with the mainland only at its east end.

It was enclosed by a wall more than 40 kilometers long, 10 meters thick, and up to 13 meters high, reinforced by towers, ditches, and earthworks, which protected the city and the surrounding agricultural area from enemy attack. A force of 20,000 infantry, 4,000 cavalry, and 300 elephants defended the city.

Under the Magonid (Hannibal) dynasty, Carthage became the leading commercial power in the western Mediterranean; its seamen sailed around the whole of Africa and discovered the coasts of Britain. But its success led to conflict with the other Mediterranean power, Rome.

The resulting three Punic Wars ended in the complete destruction of Carthage in 146 BCE.

The city was plundered, burned down, razed to the ground, and ploughed over, and the whole area was sprinkled with salt, so that even the soil should be made infertile.

The area was later resettled by the Romans and named Colonia Julia Carthago. Soon afterwards, it became the seat of the provincial government.

Thereafter, it grew and flourished, and by the early 2nd century CE, it was the third largest city in the Roman Empire, with a population of around 300,000.

Magnificent public buildings were erected during this period, second only to those in Rome itself. As in Punic times, the central feature of the city was the hill of Byrsa, with the Capitol and the forum, and the Romans largely preserved the general layout of the Punic town.

By the beginning of the 4th century, Carthage had become the leading city in Christian Africa and the see of a bishop.

Under Byzantine rule, it retained its predominance in North Africa until the Arabs arrived and once again utterly destroyed the city in 692 CE.

Thereafter, Carthage fell into an oblivion, which ended only under the French protectorate and when the Catholic Mission, honoring the city's early Christian tradition, established its African headquarters in Carthage.

Thought to be the place where the Phoenician princess Elissa landed in Tunisia, the Tophet is a religious sanctuary, where people worshipped the sun god Baal-Ammon.

Excavations here have revealed that during the early days of the city, it was common practice to sacrifice first-born children here to make sure the city found favor with the gods.

Although human sacrifice died out, the Tophet was used as a cult site of some sort right up to the Christian era.

At the lowest level of all, the excavators discovered a small niche, the Chapel of Cintas, which may possibly have been the burial chapel of Elissa herself.

The site is a maze of burial shafts and remains of foundations, with some of the numerous stelae bearing inscriptions and symbols.

On the offer of a small tip, the custodian will open a shed containing numerous stelae, most of them with inscriptions, and pottery urns said to contain the ashes of the unfortunate sacrifice victims.

Baths of Antonine

This mammoth Roman bath complex ruin dates from the 2nd century CE.

Today, only the foundations and some scattered columns remain, sprawling across the coast, overlooking the Mediterranean.

The remnants allow you to imagine the original layout of this once grand complex and you can walk through the rooms – from caldarium (hot room) to the central frigidarium (cold room) and palaestra (gymnasium) as Roman bathers once would have.

Archaeological Park

Behind the baths is the Archaeological Park, where the rectangular grid of streets clearly shows the layout of Roman Carthage's residential quarter.

The park reflects the long history of Carthage, with Punic graves of the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, the five-aisled Basilica of Douimès dating from the 6th century CE, and an underground burial chapel (the Chapelle Sainte-Monique) of the 7th century.

All over the site are the remains of Roman cisterns, and under a tree are numbers of limestone "cannonballs", projectiles from Carthaginian arsenals.

Northeast of the Archaeological Park, on a site formerly occupied by a 19th century Bey's Palace, stands the well guarded Presidential Palace.

National Archaeological Museum

The Carthage Museum (Musée National de Carthage) displays a wide range of artifacts that have all been excavated from the surrounding archaeological sites.

Inside, the exhibits cover the entire history of the Carthage site, with models of its various stages of inhabitation, and explain the course of the excavation work carried out by archaeologists here.

The models of the Tophet and the Capital (built by the Romans atop the ruins of Punic Carthage) are particularly helpful for visitors attempting to get their head around the site.

Displays range from Punic jewelry and ornaments, and Roman clay masks and sarcophagi, to early Christian mosaics and funerary stelae.

After touring the rooms, head out to the museum garden, where you'll find a three-meter-high marble statue commemorating Louis IX (though in fact the statue is a likeness of the Emperor Charles V) amid the greenery.

Quarter Magon

The Quarter Magon excavation site is in a small park near the Archaeological Park and is useful to visit to feel an impression of the development of the town in Punic times.

Immediately behind the seawall (5th century BCE), which just before the Third Punic War was 13 meters high, was the craftsmen's quarter.

Beyond this were larger houses, and beyond these again, luxurious villas with richly patterned terrazzo floors.

There is a small museum , with models of the Punic town walls, houses, and streets; pavement mosaics of the Punic period; and a model of the ancient quarries at El Haouaria.

Byrsa Hill was the central feature of the Punic settlement. In the 5th century BCE, the Carthaginians built workshops here, which later gave place to houses.

After the destruction of Carthage, the hill remained unoccupied, and it was only in the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus that the summit of the hill was leveled off. It destroyed the Punic remains, which included a temple of Eshmun (Asklepios), and led to the construction of a huge forum and Capitol.

Today, a small excavated area containing the foundations of Punic houses can be seen here.

During the Roman Era, Byrsa Hill was the starting-point of the two main axes of Roman Carthage: the decumanus, running from east to west, and the cardo, from north to south.

Today, the hill is crowned by the Cathedral of Saint Louis, built in 1890 and dedicated to King Louis IX, who died here in 1270 during the siege of Tunis.

During excavations under the church, various Roman remains were found, which are now displayed in the Bardo Museum.

From the summit, tourists can enjoy fine views across the entire Carthage area.

Theater and Roman Villas

The 2nd century Roman theater is found on Avenue Reine Didon, built into a hillside facing the sea. There is seating for 5,000 spectators.

The stage, slightly raised, is backed by a scenae frons (stage wall). Immediately adjoining the theater is the Park of the Roman Villas.

Once a Punic cemetery (in which a number of shaft graves are still to be seen), the site was later occupied by the peristyle villas of wealthy Romans.

One 3rd century house, the Villa des Volières, has been restored. From the terrace, on which there are a number of fragments of sculpture, there is a fine view over Carthage, the Presidential Palace below, the Gulf of Tunis, and Cap Bon beyond.

Amphitheater

Just one kilometer northwest of Byrsa Hill is the 2nd century Roman amphitheater, a five-story structure with seating for some 50,000 spectators and an arena that could be flooded for mock naval battles.

Apart from its massive foundations and a few underground rooms, however, the whole structure has been destroyed.

During the persecution of Christians in CE 202, St. Perpetua, her slave-girl Felicitas, and others were martyred here by being trampled to death by a wild cow. A marble column erected by the Pères Blancs commemorates them.

St. Cyprian was beheaded here in CE 258, the first African bishop to be martyred, and St. Augustine lectured in the arena.

On the opposite side of the street from the amphitheater, a footpath leads to the La Malga cisterns, built by the Romans to store water brought from the Zaghouan hills in an aqueduct 132-kilometers long. Only 15 of the original 24 cisterns are now left.

Punic Harbor

Along Rue Hannibal lies the old Punic harbor, with two basins in which the mightiest fleet in the Mediterranean once laid at anchor.

It's a sleepy, non-descript place now, but according to the ancient sources, the commercial harbor was in the shape of a rectangle measuring 456 meters by 356 meters, linked with the sea by a channel 20 meters wide.

The naval harbor to the north, which was surrounded by a high wall, had a diameter of 325 meters. A channel giving it direct access to the sea was constructed only during the Third Punic War.

The naval harbor alone had moorings for some 220 vessels, both along the landward side and around the island.

More on Tunisia

The 7 Best Things To Do In Carthage Tunisia!

By: Author Catrina

Posted on Last updated: February 28, 2024

Categories AFRICA , TUNISIA

Heading to Tunisia and wondering what are the best things to do in Carthage, or even if Carthage is worth visiting and staying overnight?  

The historic city of Carthage is located 20km from Tunis – the capital of Tunisia. Visiting Carthage is one of the highlights of many people’s trip to Tunisia as it is such an impressive and fascinating place to visit.

Carthage is steeped in history and home to many Ancient Roman ruins, including ancient baths, an ancient amphitheatre, necropolis and basilicas.

Visiting Carthage is an absolute joy for those interested in history and sightseeing, as well as those with a keen eye for photography and exploring Tunisia , as well as those interested in learning about Tunisia’s significant past.

Carthage is also very easy to reach from Tunis, so there’s no reason anyone heading to Tunisia should skip a visit to Carthage!

This article will show you the most important places and the best things to do in historical Carthage.

The ancient city of Carthage was founded by the Phoenicians almost 3,000 years ago.

In the fourth century BC it was the capital of the Punic Empire, as well as the most powerful and important city in the western Mediterranean region.

It was one of the largest metropolises in the world, as well as being one of the most influential civilisations of its time.

Due to its strategically placed harbour on the Mediterranean and its proximity to trade routes, Carthage was the most important city in the Mediterranean at the time.

Carthage Harbour was able to control ships traversing the Mediterranean Sea between the North African coast and Sicily and therefore rapidly became a thriving port and the centre of the Phoenician trade network.

However, Carthage was seen as a threat to the rise of the Roman Empire. After a long and bitter conflict, Carthage fell to the Romans in the Third Punic War in 146BC.

The Romans then rebuilt Carthage and it then became an important part of their Empire.

At the end of the 7th Century however, Carthage was conquered under the Muslim Arab invasion of North Africa. Roman Carthage was then completely destroyed, so nowadays only ruins remain.

These ruins make up the UNESCO-listed Carthage Archaeological Park.

If you would like to join a tour of Carthage these are the two best options. A full day trip to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said , as well as a bike tour around the Archaeological Site:

How Long Do You Need To Explore Historic Carthage?

Whether you are visiting independently or as part of a tour , you can explore historic Carthage in half a day, which is great if you just have 2 or 3 days in Tunisia . The ruins are spread out around Carthage so there is a fair bit of walking between them.

You can of course get a taxi from one location to the other, especially if it’s a hot day. Just make sure the price of the taxi is agreed before you get inside or that the taxi meter starts when you get in.

Alternatively you can book on an organised tour .

Carthage is a lovely upper class area and you’ll see lots of big fancy houses and Embassies here as you go between the attractions. If you do decide to walk it is a nice relaxing walk.

Alternatively if you don’t want to do an organised tour or have to find your way around on your own, you can hire a taxi driver from your hotel. Get one that the hotel recommends.

The taxi driver will be able to take you to the all sites and wait for you in the car. It should cost you about 100 dinars (£26) depending on your location.

Best Things To Do In Carthage, Tunisia:

This article will cover the main sights in Historic Carthage. A multi-entry ticket to all the attractions costs just 12 dinar (£3.35) and you should bring cash.

Carthage Archaeological Park

The Carthage Archaeological Park is a UNESCO-World Heritage Site and is one of the top historical sites in Tunisia.

It is an extensive Archaeological Site that comprises of the Antonine Baths, Byrsa Hill, Roman Villas and Carthage Museum. The Archaeological Park sits in an impressive location on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Tunis.  

The views out to the ocean from Carthage Archaeological Park and its location with its backdrop against the sea are truly spectacular.

The ruins in the Carthage Archaeological Park are beautiful, steeped in Roman history and surrounded by greenery.  

And what’s incredible is that there are barely any tourists here. I literally had the place to myself when I was here.

Antonine Baths

The Antonine Baths (also known as the Baths of Carthage or the Antoninus Baths) are first on the list of things to do in Carthage as their location is just absolutely stunning.

The views out to the ocean from the Antonine Baths and its location with its backdrop against the sea are truly spectacular.  

This sprawling 2nd Century Roman Thermae complex is the third largest Roman Baths in the Roman Empire and the largest in Africa! They are honestly so impressive.

This was my favourite part of Carthage as the ruins were a lot more intact than the other locations and you could really use your imagination here.

That being said, when the baths were built in Roman Carthage they were a huge complex: 3 levels high and adorned with cupolas!

Now only the lower level ruins remain but you can still get a really good feel of the grandeur and size of it and how magnificent it was.

There are a couple of signs explaining things and also there are lots of surrounding gardens to stroll round after.

The Antonine Baths are open from 8am-5pm 7 days a week.

To get to the Antonine Baths from Carthage Hannibal Station takes 2 minutes by taxi or about 10 minutes walking (600 metres). You’ll find the Google maps location here .

If you want to get a taxi from the Antonine Baths afterwards, be advised that taxi drivers right next to the baths will try to rip you off. Therefore it’s best to walk to the main road and flag down a taxi there.

They’ll charge you around 1.5 dinar (£0.40) for a 2km journey to the amphitheatre instead of 10 dinar.

Despite the Antonine Baths being my personal favourite place in Carthage due to its location by the sea, the main Archeological Ruins of Carthage are located on Byrsa Hill.

Byrsa Hill was where the Ancient City of Carthage was built around and there are many great sites to see here. It’s an uphill walk to get there (or short taxi ride), but it sure makes for some incredible views!

Ruins Of Roman Villas (Ruines de Carthage)

The ruins of Carthage are another must-see place – here you can really get an idea of the layout of a Roman city.

Check out the Google maps location here .

Acropolium of Carthage / Saint Louis Cathedral

Next to the Roman Villa ruins is the Acropolium of Carthage, which is also known as Saint Louis of Carthage Cathedral.

Located on the top of a hill, this imposing and impressive building was actually a 19th Century Roman Catholic Church and is definitely worth a quick stop.  See the Google maps location here .

Nowadays it is no longer a place a workshop – the Acropolium is actually used as a music concert venue! Even though this is not an ancient ruin, it is absolutely worth a look seeing as it is so close.

Behind the Acropolium you will find the Carthage National Museum. It was being resorted when I visited in 2018 but it is now open for visitors.

Carthage Amphitheater / Roman Amphitheatre

  From Byrsa Hill a 20 minute walk (1km) or a 2 minute taxi takes you to the Roman Amphitheatre/Carthage Amphitheatre. The Roman Amphitheatre was constructed in the first century AD.

The Carthage Amphitheatre was one of the largest amphitheatres of the Roman Empire – able to hold 35,000 spectators!

Nowadays the Amphitheater of Carthage is mostly in ruins (as people took the materials for other buildings in the past) but it is still definitely worth a quick stop.

You can even go into the underground parts where the animals would have been kept!

You can see the Google maps location here.

Roman Theatre Of Carthage

After that you walk 1.5km down the hill towards the Roman Theatre of Carthage. Whilst a very similar name to the other amphitheatre, this is a different amphitheatre.  Click here for the Google maps location .  

  The Punic Port was built by the Phoenicians, however the Romans reshaped it into the unique crescent shape it now has.

It’s located 2 km away from the Amphitheatres and 2.5 km from the Antonine Baths, so I’d advise getting a taxi down instead of walking. Click here for the Google maps location .

As mentioned at the beginning, the Punic Port was very important during the height of Carthage. You’ll find some ancient ruins here and it is pleasant and peaceful to stroll around if your legs still have energy!

How To Get To Carthage

Carthage is very easy to access by train from the Tunis Marine TGM light rail station, located at the end of Habib Bourguiba. Do not get the train from Gare de Tunis.

The train is the easiest and cheapest way to get to Carthage from Tunis. A one-way ticket costs 0.5 Tunisian dinar (£0.30).

There are several stations in Carthage, so make sure to alight at Carthage Hannibal as this is the closest station to all the archaeological sites. 

Don’t get off at Carthage Salammbo or Carthage Bysra, which are the 2 stops before Carthage Hannibal (there are also 2 Carthage stops after Carthage Hannibal when you continue on to Sidi Bou Said).  

Trains depart every 15-20 minutes and it takes 30 minutes to reach Carthage Hannibal Stations from Tunis. Trains run until midnight.

(Hannibal was a Carthaginian General during the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage, and is widely regarded as one of history’s greatest military commanders).

To reach Sidi Bou Said – another absolute must-visit destination in Tunisia, take the same TGM train. It will take a further 8-10 minutes to reach Sidi Bou Said from Carthage Hannibal.

If you prefer to get a taxi to Carthage should cost around 20 dinars from Tunis and around 3 dinars from Sidi Bou Said. Always make sure that the taximeter is running or you agree the fare beforehand.

Accommodation In Carthage

La brise de Carthage has stunning views from the terrace, a private beach – and you can rent a car from here!

Studio Au Coeur de Carthage Hannibal is a lovely studio apartment located in the most convenient location if you want to walk between the Archaeological Sites of Carthage.

Villa Hannibal  is a stunning 3 bedroom apartment located right on the water between the port and the Antonine Baths.

Whilst Carthage is a stunning place, I do recommend to stay overnight in Sidi Bou Said, which is the next suburb along on the train line.

Sidi Bou Said is a lovely white and blue village on the coast. It’s stunning: Tunisia’s answer to Santorini!  

Dar Said is a lovely luxurious guest house in Sidi Bou Said with fabulous views of the sea from the terrace!

Day Trips From Carthage

From Carthage you can easily take the train to nearby Tunis and Sidi Bou Said.  

Both Carthage and Sidi Bou Said are on the same train line, with Carthage being closer to Tunis than Sidi Bou Said (15km and 18km respectively).

You can also visit nearby La Marsa Beach, a beautiful laid back yet lively beach that is popular for those who want to relax and enjoy the sun.

La Marsa is also a popular place to go in the evening to experience some upmarket restaurants and bars.

I hope you will enjoy your time in Carthage – it is a stunning place!

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Catrina is a Travel Writer and ex-Flight Attendant based in Sydney, Australia. She has visited 85 countries and lived in several – including Italy, Australia, United Arab Emirates and England. Her work has been featured in a variety of popular travel publications including Fodors, Escape, Australian Traveller and Bear Grylls, as well as several international aviation and travel companies. She only writes about places she has personally visited, and aims to give real, honest advice to help her readers.

Wednesday 25th of October 2023

Thank you. This was detailed and well-written.

Tuesday 7th of November 2023

Thankyou - glad you liked it, I loved Carthage!

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• Description

Carthage was founded in the 9th century B.C. on the Gulf of Tunis. From the 6th century onwards, it developed into a great trading empire covering much of the Mediterranean and was home to a brilliant civilization. In the course of the long Punic wars, Carthage occupied territories belonging to Rome, which finally destroyed its rival in 146 B.C. A second – Roman – Carthage was then established on the ruins of the first.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Site archéologique de Carthage

Fondée dès le IX e siècle av. J.-C. sur le golfe de Tunis, Carthage établit à partir du VI e siècle un empire commercial s'étendant à une grande partie du monde méditerranéen et fut le siège d'une brillante civilisation. Au cours des longues guerres puniques, elle occupa des territoires de Rome, mais celle-ci la détruisit finalement en 146 av. J.-C. Une seconde Carthage, romaine celle-là, fut alors fondée sur ses ruines.

موقع قرطاج الأثري

تأسست قرطاج في القرن التاسع قبل الميلاد عند خليج تونس ثم تحولت ابتداء من القرن السادس الى امبراطورية تجارية شغلت جزءاً كبيراً من منطقة البحر المتوسط وشكلت مركزاً تجارياً لحضارة ساطعة. كما انها احتلت اراضي من روما خلال الحروب البونيقية، لكن هذه الأخيرة قضت عليها نهائياً عام 146 قبل الميلاد فقامت على أنقاضها قرطاج ثانية رومانية.

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

迦太基毗邻突尼斯湾，始建于公元前9世纪。自公元6世纪起，迦太基逐步发展成为一个强大的贸易帝国，也创造了一段辉煌的文明。其领土曾扩展到地中海大部分地区。在漫长的布匿战争中，迦太基占领了罗马的领土，但最终于公元前146年被罗马打败。第二个罗马迦太基城建立在古迦太基的废墟之上。

Sitio arqueológico de Cartago

Fundada en el siglo IX a.C. en el golfo de Túnez, Cartago fue la sede de una brillante civilización que impuso su hegemonía comercial en una gran parte del Mediterráneo desde el siglo VI a.C. Durante las guerras púnicas los cartagineses llegaron a ocupar territorios pertenecientes a Roma, pero ésta se alzó con la victoria y arrasó la ciudad de Cartago el año 146 a.C. Una segunda Cartago romana fue construida sobre las ruinas de la primera.

source: NFUAJ

Archeologische stad Carthago

Carthago werd gesticht in de 9e eeuw voor Christus aan de Golf van Tunis. Vanaf de 6e eeuw ontwikkelde het zich tot een groot handelsimperium – met een briljante beschaving – dat een groot deel van de Middellandse Zee omvatte. In de loop van de lange Punische oorlogen bezette Carthago gebieden die Rome toebehoorden. Rome won uiteindelijk, verwoestte Carthago in 146 na Christus en stichtte een tweede – Romeins – Carthago op de ruïnes van de eerste. Het nieuwe Carthago heeft in wezen de faciliteiten behouden die de antieke stad karakteriseren: zo is er een stedelijk netwerk, is er een ontmoetingsplaats (forum), en zijn er recreatiemogelijkheden (theater en baden), godsdienstige plekken (tempels) en woongebieden.

Source: unesco.nl

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis

Founded by the Phoenicians, Carthage is an extensive archaeological site, located on a hill dominating the Gulf of Tunis and the surrounding plain.  Metropolis of Punic civilization in Africa and capital of the province of Africa in Roman times, Carthage has played a central role in Antiquity as a great commercial empire. During the lengthy Punic wars, Carthage occupied the territories that belonged to Rome, which then destroyed its rival in 146 AD.  The town was rebuilt by the Romans on the ruins of the ancient city.

Exceptional place of mixing, diffusion and blossoming of several cultures that succeeded one another (Phoenico-Punic, Roman, Paleochristian and Arab), this metropolis and its ports have encouraged wide-scale exchanges in the Mediterranean. Founded at the end of the 9th century BC by Elyssa-Dido and having sheltered the mythical love of Dido and Aeneas, Carthage produced a warrior and strategy genius in the person of Hannibal, the navigator-explorer Hannon, and a famous agronomist, Magon. Carthage has always nourished universal imagination through its historic and literary renown.

The property comprises the vestiges of Punic, Roman, Vandal, Paleochristian and Arab presence. The major known components of the site of Carthage are the acropolis of Byrsa, the Punic ports, the Punic tophet, the necropolises, theatre, amphitheatre, circus, residential area, basilicas, the Antonin baths, Malaga cisterns and the archaeological reserve.

Criterion (ii): Phoenician foundation linked to Tyre and Roman refoundation on the orders of Julius Cesar, Carthage was also the capital of a Vandal kingdom and the Byzantine province of Africa. Its antique ports bear witness to commercial and cultural exchanges over more than ten centuries. The tophet, sacred place dedicated to Baal, contains numerous stelae where numerous cultural influences are in evidence.  Outstanding place of blossoming and diffusion of several cultures that succeeded one another (Phoenico-Punic, Roman, Paleochristian and Arab); Carthage has exercised considerable influence on the development of the arts, architecture and town planning in the Mediterranean.

Criterion (iii): The site of Carthage bears exceptional testimony to the Phoenico-Punic civilization being at the time the central hub in the western basin of the Mediterranean. It was also one of the most brilliant centres of Afro-Roman civilization.

Criterion (vi): The historic and literary renown of Carthage has always nourished the universal imagination. The site of Carthage is notably associated with the home of the legendary princess of Tyre, Elyssa-Dido, founder of the town, sung about by Virgil in the Aeneid; with the great navigator-explorer, Hannon, with Hannibal, one of the greatest military strategists of history, with writers such as Apulée, founder of Latin-African literature, with the martyr of Saint Cyprien and with Saint Augustin who trained and made several visits there.

Integrity (2009)

Although its integrity has been partially altered by uncontrolled urban sprawl during the first half of the 20th century, the site of Carthage has essentially retained the elements that characterise the antique town: urban network, meeting place (forum), recreation (theatre), leisure (baths), worship (temples), residential area, etc. The conservation of the site guarantees the maintenance of the intact character of the structures.  However, it continues to face strong urban pressure that has, for the most part, been contained thanks to the national listing of the Carthage-Sidi Bou-Said Park.

Authenticity (2009)

Restoration and maintenance work carried out over the years is in accordance with the standards of international charters and has not damaged the authenticity of the monuments and remains of the site of Carthage. The site benefits from a maintenance protocol.

Protection and management requirements (2009)

The site of Carthage benefits from the listing of a large number of its remains as historic monuments (since 1885). Its protection is also guaranteed by Decree 85-1246 of 7 October 1985 concerning the listing of the Carthage-Sidi Bou-Said site, Law 35-1994 concerning the protection of archaeological and historic heritage and of traditional arts, and by the Order of 16 September 1996 for the creation of the cultural site of Carthage. A conservation unit attached to the National Heritage Institute is responsible for the safeguarding and management of the site. The management of the property is currently integrated into the urban development plan of the town. A Protection and Presentation Plan, presently under preparation, shall ensure the management of the site.

• Carthage: conservation du site et du musée's Facebook page

Publications

• Ennabli, Abdelmajid. "North Africa's Roman art. Its future" in North Africa's Roman art. Its future , September 2000, pp 18-29

State of Conservation (SOC)

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Carthage was Rome’s greatest rival. Go see its side of the story.

Roman conquerors tried to erase the past of this ancient Tunisian port city—but these historic sites shed light on the true glories of Carthage.

From 650 B.C. to 146 B.C., Carthage was the most powerful trading and commercial city in the Mediterranean. Its sophisticated 200-dock harbor and wealthy population supported a sprawling metropolis of temples, markets, and estates outside present day Tunis, a 20-minute drive away. It even loomed large in Greek mythology as the home of the legendary Dido , whose racy story of forced marriage and illicit love inspired poetry, operas, and countless classical oil paintings.  

But some 2,000 years ago, Carthage was razed to the ground by its rival, the Roman Republic . Carthaginians were murdered or sold into slavery, and the Romans built a new Carthage on the ruins.  

Since the Romans sacked the city and destroyed most of its libraries and archives, “virtually nothing” known of the Carthaginian people has been gleaned from primary sources. “With Carthage, you’re dealing with something where there are huge holes,” says Richard Miles, author of Carthage Must Be Destroyed: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Civilization .  

Now, Carthage is seeing revitalization efforts helmed by the Tunisian Ministry of Culture and the European Union that aim to restore several Carthaginian sites, providing visitors with an improved experience and better protecting what remains of the city’s nearly lost legacy.

‘Carthage must be destroyed’

Around 200 B.C., “Carthage [was] the original Mediterranean superpower,” says Miles. Thanks to its vast control over trading ports and various North African land routes, “Carthage was the great connector. It [took] all sorts of influences—Greek, Phoenician, Italian, [and also from] the Iberian Peninsula, Nubians, and the Libyans in North Africa—and it melded them together into something that is unique.”

( Find mosaics and mystery in an outpost of the Roman Empire .)

As the Roman Republic’s power grew across the sea, however, so did its rivalry with the Carthaginians. Three wars flared between the two empires, spanning nearly a hundred years.

In 149 B.C. Rome laid siege to Carthage, burning its famed fleet before nearly leveling the city. “The destruction of Carthage was an act of vengeance,” Miles says, adding that the Romans wanted to ensure that the Carthaginians never rose again to challenge them. “ Delenda est Carthago [Carthage must be destroyed]” were words often repeated by Roman senator Cato.

Exploring ancient Carthage

Yet, Rome was unable to erase Carthage from history in its entirety, says Miles. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, the ancient site of Carthage, at the peak of Byrsa Hill, overlooks the Punic port that grew the city’s power. Here visitors can explore the once thriving Byrsa Acropolis, which holds a museum, a necropolis, and several remarkably maintained Carthaginian houses.

“The houses—just before the destruction [of Carthage]—are perfectly preserved. That part of the Byrsa Hill is something you have to visit for sure,” says archaeologist Stefano Cespa, who, with the German Archaeological Institute of Rome , has spent the past decade excavating Carthaginian sites around the city.

The redevelopment effort will renovate the adjacent Carthage National Museum (expected to reopen in June 2026) that will “connect the museum exhibition halls to the outdoors and the views of Carthage,” says Gabriela Carillo, an architect who is assisting the project. Other aspects of renovation will address the site’s landscape, accessibility, and environmental concerns.

From the complex on Byrsa Hill, visitors can descend to explore the crescent-shaped port that once served the Carthaginians’ impressive naval fleet. Miles adds that the port may have played a direct role in the city’s destruction since the military fleet docked there violated the treaty between the empires of Rome and Carthage. Today, the port is used only by fishing boats, and a small walking path runs around the rim.

Just down the street is the Tophet of Salammbo—a graveyard that, according to Cespa, was the burial ground for animals and children used for ritual sacrifices. However, he adds that may have been a rumor spread by the Romans and Greeks. To date, over 20,000 urns buried under stone slabs have been found here, making it one of the largest cemeteries from the Phoenician period.

( Here’s where to search for traces of the ancient Chola dynasty .)

Relics from the Roman Republic’s rule over Carthage can also be seen on the hill and around the city. The Baths of Antoninus —a sprawling complex of ruins standing beside Tunisia’s presidential palace—is one of the more popular historic sites, replete with remarkably well-preserved walls, tunnels, and porticos. Nearby is an expansive Roman theater, where visitors can observe archaeologists as they restore structures and refurbish intricate mosaics.  

A short walk away are the twin sites of the Circus of Carthage , which was modeled after the Circus Maximus in Rome. Cespa and his team have been surveying these sites—called Quartier Magon and Quartier Didion—for several years. “You have almost 2,000 years of stratigraphy in these two sites,” Cespa says. “There you have all the phases of ancient Carthage, from the Phoenician foundation through the Punic age, then the Roman age and medieval, late Byzantine, and Islamic period.”

“It shows that you can’t totally destroy something,” says Miles. “There’s always a little bit of the past that survives.”

What to know

Related topics.

• WORLD HERITAGE SITES
• ANCIENT ROME
• ANCIENT HISTORY
• ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS
• HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION
• HISTORIC SITES

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Visit Carthage, Tunisia – a Perfect Day Trip from Tunis

Back in ancient times, Carthage was one of the most important places in the Mediterranean region. Today this sleepy town is a one of the best places to visit in Tunisia and a great day trip to Tunis . There are still plenty of ancient remnants amount that allow you to travel back in time and make visiting Carthage such a great experience.

When planning your Tunisia itinerary be sure to visit Carthage too. I hope this guide I put together will help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip to Carthage!

Table of Contents

Where is Carthage

The ruins of ancient Carthage are located in the town of the same time, on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, just outside of Tunis. The center of the Tunisian capital is 16 km from Carthage.

Brief history of Carthage

Back in the ancient times, Carthage was one of the greatest cities in the Mediterranean region. Founded in the 9th century BC by the Phoenicians from Tyre (present Lebanon ), it reached its peak of power and prosperity in the 3rd century BC when Carthage was the central point of the North African empire, the crucial political and trade point in the region. The city was inhabited by around half a million people, the impressive city walls were 32 km long.

After the Punic Wars with the Roman Empire, the biggest rival of Carthage, the city was destroyed in the year 146 BC and afterward served as a provincial Roman colony. In 439 AD the Vandals took over Carthage, making it the capital of their territory in northern Africa.

When the Arabs conquested the region in the late 7th century, Carthage lost its status and eventually was abandoned. Today, this is a sleepy town packed with ancient remnants, a wealthy suburb of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia.

Is it worth visiting Carthage, Tunisia

Carthage is definitely worth visiting. Even is today this is a modern town with wealthy neighbourhoods, there are numerous places from the ancient times that you can easily visit. Wandering around those centuries-old ruins is like traveling back in time, it’s so easy to imagine how exceptional the city was back at its peak of prosperity.

All the Carthage attractions are truly amazing and everyone will easily appreciate all the ancient remnants. In 1979 the archeological site of Carthage was included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.

The town itself is really pleasant too, a bit sleepy but that’s a good change from the nearby capital. One more reason to visit Carthage is how easy it is to get here. The suburban train connects central Tunis with Carthage (there are a few stops in the town, near Carthage highlights), there are also organized tours you can take to have a hassle-free trip.

How to get to Carthage

If you are traveling from Tunis or Sidi Bou Said, your best option is the regional train (TGM line) departing from the Tunis Marine station, near the Clock Tower, at the edge of the center of the capital. They run frequently, the one-way ticket costs around 1 TND (about €0,30 or $0,33). You can purchase it from the window on the left when entering the station.

There are six stations in Carthage, the closest one to top attractions in the town is Carthage Hannibal (the 11th station after departing from Tunis Marine). When I visited Carthage I left the train a station before, at Carthage Dermech and walked along the coast to the biggest attraction of the town – Antoninus Baths.

When you want to go back to Tunis or continue your trip to picturesque Sidi Bou Said , you simply need to get the TGM train from one of the stations (be careful as the ticket office is located on one of the platforms and it might not be the one your train departs from).

Carthage tours

If navigating public transport isn’t your thing or you want to visit Carthage from a place other than Tunis or Sidi Bou Said, there are numerous highly-rated tours that cover Carthage (together with other destinations). Here are some recommended ones:

• Private Day Tour: Medina of Tunis, Carthage, Sidi Bousaid with lunch
• Archaelogical Site Of Carthage + Picturesque Village Of Sidi Bou Said
• Guided Bike Tour of Carthage Archeological Site in Tunisia
• Tunis, Sidi Bousaid and Carthage day trip from Hammamet

What to see in Carthage

The biggest Carthage attractions are all the ancient remnants scattered all over the city. The most impressive ones are Baths of Antoninus – the largest Roman bath outside of Rome! The bath were built in the 2nd century AD, when Carthage was under the Roman Empire rule and still today you can easily see what a grand place this was.

You can wander around the large area and explore all it corners freely. Besides the remnants of the baths, you will also find here remnants of old houses, a chappel, a Punic cemetery, and more. Look down when walking around as you will also notice some nice mosaics that still remain untacted in its place.

A bonus of visiting the Antoninus Baths is you can see the premises of the presidential palace that is located next to the archeological site.

A short walk from there you will find Roman Villas – a large archeological site with some great mosaics and great views of the area. Next to it, you can visit the Roman theater – even if it went through major renovation to serve its purpose still today, it’s easy to imagine what an impressive site it used to be. Back in the ancient times, the theater could seat over five thousand spectators.

Another important complex of Carthage is Byrsa Hill where you can visit Carthage National Museum (with numerous artifacts from ancient Carthage, both from the Punic and Roman rules), see some more ancient ruins as well as the former Catholic Cathedral – Acropolium, built on top of the Punic temple dedicated to Eshmun, the god of healing.

All over the town you can also stumble across ancient ruins, columns, cisterns, or even an aqueduct. There is even a Roman amphitheater from the 1st century AD, which is a nice site surrounded by trees and rolling hills.

On the coastal side of Cathage you can see old Punic ports that still today have a shape similar to the one from the ancient times. Even if now this is a sleepy place, just like the rest of the town, all those centuries ago the ports played a crucial role in Carthage’s wellbeing.

In the area, there are a few ancient quarters you can visit too but the main reason to visit this part of Carthage is to wander along the coast and admire beautiful views of the clear waters of Gulf of Tunis. It’s a perfect place to relax after all the Carthage sightseeing.

Carthage attractions ticket

You need a ticket to enter the majority of Carthage attractions. The good news is, you need to purchase only one and it’s valid for eight places all over the town. When I visited Carthage, the multiticket was 12 TND (around €3,50 / $3,80). Sites included in the ticket are:

• Amphitheatre
• Roman Villas
• Roman Theater
• Paleo-Christian Museum
• Carthage Museum
• Salammbo Tophet
• Baths of Antoninus
• Quartier Magon

Seeing all these places in one day can be a challenge so focus on the most important ones first.If you need a guide (which is highly recommended in the place of such a huge historical significance), there are usually people offering their services at the entrance to the sites.

Where to go next

From Carthage it’s a short train ride to the next town – Sidi Bou Said . The charming, bright town is known for its white and blue buildings that altogether create a fairytale-like vibe. This is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tunisia.

Be sure to check the capital of Tunisia too. There are plenty of great things to do in Tunis , including the UNESCO-listed medina, the exceptional Bardo Museum, or a vibrant New Town, among other attractions.

The whole country has plenty to offer so if you have more time for other amazing places in Tunisia, you might find some of the article I wrote useful for planning your trip:

• Tunisia Travel Guide – All About Visiting Tunisia
• Tunisia Itinerary – What to See in Tunisia in 10 Days
• 11 Great Things to Do in Tunis, Tunisia
• Visit Sidi Bou Said – the Most Picturesque Town in Tunisia
• Visit Kairouan, Tunisia – a UNESCO Holy City
• 7 Must Things to Do in Sousse, Tunisia
• 11 Amazing Things to do in Djerba, Tunisia

Travel Resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Tunisia

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Tunisia here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Tunisia too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

LIKED IT? PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!

If you enjoyed that post why don't you share it with your friends? That would mean so much to me! Also be sure to join 30.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! If you don't want to miss new posts sign up to my newsletter or follow on Bloglovin !

Very cool and detailed post with nice pics, just visited Tunisia this summer as well and we had a very good time there! What is your next destination? Feel free to check my blog (www.mysoultripping.com) there may be inspiration as I found on yours ;)

I’m glad you enjoyed Tunisia too. Thanks for the link, I will make sure to check your blog. I’m off to Cyprus today, what about your next travel plans?

Thank you so much Kami for this blog and those details and information !!! they are priceless and so helpful for planing my trip

can you please let me know about the entrance tickets for Carthage sites multitickets, where can it be bought please ? do you know or remember the name of the place I should go to to be able to buy the tickets and start the site discovery ?

thanks again < ❤️🇹🇳

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

9 Key Sites to Explore the Ruins of Ancient Carthage

Explore the history of the ancient carthaginian empire at these important ruins and relics across the mediterranean..

Harry Sherrin

24 sep 2021.

Carthage was an ancient North African city, the ruins of which now sit on the outskirts of modern-day Tunis in Tunisia. But Carthage was much more than just a settlement. Its incredible influence and affluence grew Carthage from a city into the capital of the fearsome Carthaginian Empire.

Ancient Rome’s early rivals, the Carthaginians came to rule huge swathes of the western Mediterranean.

Given the sprawling influence of the Carthaginian Empire, its historic sites and landmarks can be found across Europe and North Africa.

There are the extensive ruins of the famed city of Carthage itself, of course. And there are also battle sites, monuments and museums relating to the ancient empire.

Here are 9 of the most important Carthaginian sites to visit.

1. Carthage

The astounding ruins of this once-mighty city are vast, varied and hugely atmospheric. Carthage was one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world and the capital of the Carthaginian Empire, which dominated much of the western Mediterranean. However, 3 long and brutal wars with Rome eventually led to the downfall and destruction of the city in 146 BC.

Today, the archaeological site has a vast range of ruins to explore and the best way to begin is probably by visiting  Byrsa Hill  and the  Carthage Museum . Among the best-preserved Punic remains at the site are the Magon Quarter ,  Punic Port  and unnerving  Sanctuary of Tophet .

2. Cannae Battlefield

Cannae marks the site of the famous victory of Hannibal’s Carthaginian army over a huge Roman force led by Consuls Varro and Paullus in 216 BC. It stands as Hannibal’s greatest victory and Rome’s greatest defeat. Hannibal used a new tactic, known today as double envelopment, and massacred the Romans. One historian has compared the result to an atomic bomb: 80,000 men died that day.

Today, the site has a monument to the battle of Cannae within the archaeological site of Cannae di Battaglia. If you stand at this column and look north over the countryside, this is the area where most historians feel the battle was fought. The entrance to the site has some relevant information and memorabilia.

3. Carthage Punic Port and Museum

The Carthage Punic Port and Museum hold the remains of the ancient military naval base of the Punic city of Carthage. Originally destroyed after the Roman capture of the city in 146 BC, it was later revived by the Romans themselves to serve the growing commercial needs of the now-Roman city of Carthage.

Today, there are a handful of ruins on the site as well as the small Punic Port Museum which has a number of models reconstructing what the port would have looked like in its prime.

4. Nora Archaeological Site

One of many Carthaginian ruins in Sardinia, the Nora Archaeological Site houses ancient Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman ruins. Prior to Phoenician settlement, Nora may have even previously been a nuraghi site (the people of Sardinia credited with building hundreds of defensive structures).

Conquered at one time by the Carthaginians, Nora became a Roman settlement in the 3rd century BC. Some Phoenician ruins can still be seen today, including a temple and some fortifications.

5. Leptis Magna

Leptis Magna is an incredibly well preserved archaeological site in Tripoli, Libya. Originally founded by the Phoenicians, Leptis Magna later became part of the Carthaginian Empire.

While many of the remaining structures now found at the site date from the later Roman era, there are some Punic remains that can still be seen. Today, Leptis Magna is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

6. Sanctuary of Tophet

The Sanctuary of Tophet is an ancient Cartheginian burial site containing a vast number of children’s graves. Historians have hypothesised that the Carthaginians practised child-sacrifice during times of hardship, though this point is hotly disputed.

Today, this eerie site can be found near the Punic Port in Carthage. The Sanctuary of Tophet also contains a Roman necropolis.

7. Trebbia Battlefield

Trebbia marks the location of the first significant clash of the Second Punic War. Fought in 218 BC, the battle was the first real example of Hannibal’s ingenuity and a resounding defeat for Rome. The Carthaginian general sent his cavalry into action to harass the Roman camp and lure them out. The Romans attempted to cross the swollen and freezing river towards the Carthaginian army but were ambushed and crushed.

The river is little more than a stream now, but the area is very atmospheric. The exact location of the battlefield on the river is not known, however it is thought to be somewhere north of Rivergaro. There are numerous references to Hannibal in the area and there’s even a statue of a war elephant standing as a monument to the battle.

Tharros, in Sardinia, was founded by the Phoenicians and contains mostly Roman and Carthaginian ruins. Founded in the 8th century BC by the Phoenicians, the site today contains a series of ancient structures, especially its two standing Corinthian columns.

Among the other highlights of the ruins are the remains of the Carthaginian tophet – a sacred space sometimes used for burials – as well as the remains of the thermal baths and the foundations of temples, houses and shops.

9. Carthage National Museum

Carthage National Museum contains a wide selection of artefacts and exhibitions from the Punic, Roman and Byzantine periods of Carthage. Among the many exhibits are displays examining life in ancient Carthage, the conflicts with the Roman Republic and the eventual destruction of the Punic city by Rome.

The museum includes a range of interesting relics, from jewellery, weaponry, tombs and funeral masks to Roman mosaics and day-to-day household items. Additionally, there is an interesting model of the Punic city.

10. Trasimene Battlefield

Trasimene Battlefield marks the site of the Battle of Trasimene, fought in 217 BC between Hannibal of Carthage and the Consul Flaminius of Rome. It was one of the major battles of the Second Punic War and a crushing defeat for Rome.

Today there are picture boards describing the events of the battle all along the former coast of Lake. These markers wind past Sanguineto (named after the battle, literally meaning ‘running with blood’) and on to Tuoro.

A walking tour of ancient Carthage, Tunisia's Roman treasure trove

By Amelia Dhuga

Modern day visitors can find a host of Roman ruins in the now-sleepy Tunis suburb of Carthage; cracked marble pillars, steeply inlaid theatres and sweeping bath houses are still dotted throughout the ancient city. Impressive even in ruin, the remains are evidence of the once-mighty power of the Phoenicians, who founded the city in the 9th century BCE and were quickly established as one of the most significant powers in the western Mediterranean.

It wasn’t long before rivals emerged, however, and by the early 3rd century BCE Carthage had entered the longest continuous conflict and greatest naval war of antiquity. The three Punic Wars that pursued between the Romans and Phoenicians eventually led to the fall of Carthage in 146 BCE. Upon being seized, the region was swiftly destroyed and rebuilt in Roman style.

Between these ancient sites , contemporary white-washed houses and chic concept restaurants line the rambling streets of suburban Carthage. Unlike the more popular destinations of Rome and Athens , the ruins here are relatively quiet and compact, meaning tourists can easily visit all the sites on foot over the course of a day. If you're planning a walking tour of Carthage, these are the sites not to miss.

Remains of the Roman amphitheatre

The Roman Theatre

Conveniently located close to the centre of Carthage, the Roman Theatre is the perfect starting point for a walking tour. One of the best-preserved ruins in region, the venue was built into a natural hillside and still stands in its entirety today. The theatre looms tall in a steep semi-circular design; a hollow stage lays at the foot of the site and tiered seating unfolds around it. It is easy to imagine some 12,000 spectators gathering at the venue to watch plays, comedies and gladiator fights play out before them. The venue returns to its intended purpose during the Carthage International Festival, which takes place every summer in July and August, so be sure to check for upcoming events beforehand.

The Antonine Baths were the third-largest bath complex in the Roman world

The Antonine Baths

A short walk down towards the sea will bring you to the humble entrance of the Antonine Baths. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius, the Antonine Baths are the grandest of their kind in North Africa . Large colonnades, intricate mosaics and weathered statues still stand steadfast overlooking the Mediterranean sea. In the best kept areas, tourists can catch glimpses of the sheer enormity of the original structure, which once spanned across the coastline and acted as the epicentre of Carthage’s social scene; ancient visitors would gossip, conduct business and even discuss politics inside the coveted hot rooms of the baths.

Take time to rest and refuel at Les Indécis

Les Indécis serves a surprisingly inventive and well presented menu of classic Tunisian dishes.

Lunch at Les Indécis

Follow the coastline towards the Punic Ports and you will find yourself at Les Indécis. A chic neighbourhood spot popular amongst digital nomads and students, this unassuming café offers a range of creative dishes . Fresh loupe fish is served with lashings of teal-tinted olive oil, crisp fennel and dollops of silky hummus. Inventive twists on traditional Tunisian dishes include lablebi with ricotta, mushrooms topped with labneh, and octopus served with Tunisian-style chimichurri sauce. Be sure to tuck in – you may find yourself needing the fuel for the climb up to Byrsa Hill later in the afternoon.

The remains of the military harbour

Punic ports

After you have recharged at Les Indécis, continue ambling along the coastline until you reach the Punic Ports. Now a peaceful residential area, the ancient port was once one of the main sites of conflict during the war between the Phoenicians and the Romans. The military port – known as the circular harbour, and visible as the inner part of the port protected from the sea – once housed Carthage’s navy. Soldiers and reportedly even war elephants would embark on their journeys across the pond here. During times of peace, the port was also a centre of Mediterranean trade and helped Carthage earn its reputation as thalassocracy. Ships would dock at the commercial centre of the outer port in order to trade coloured textiles, dyes and materials for building.

What remains of the Phoenicians burial ground

The Tophet at Salammbo

Sanctuary of Tophet

The Romans destroyed much of the original structures in Carthage after they seized the city. Right next to the Punic Ports, the Sanctuary of Tophet is one of the few sites that still remains. Urns, steles and other paraphernalia at the burial ground all point to the religious ceremonies – and even ritual sacrifices – conducted by the Carthaginians.

A view down over Carthage towards the Punic port from Byrsa Hill

As you turn back inland, trek up to the main road and make your way along the steep incline to Byrsa Hill. Overlooking the ancient city, Byrsa served as an acropolis throughout Carthage’s heyday. The walled citadel still has remnants of ancient dwellings, and is now also home to the Carthage National Museum. Currently closed for renovation, the museum is set to reopen in 2026 and houses a range of artefacts from the Punic era all the way up to the 20th century.

Watch the sunset at Villa Didon, a boutique hotel by architect and designer Philippe Boisselier

Sunset at Villa Didon

After a day of exploring ancient ruins and tracking Carthage's steep serpentine streets, you may be in need of respite. A locally run boutique guesthouse , Villa Dido n, is designed for exactly this. Located on Carthage Hill, its restaurant offers sunset views over the scattered ruins and mismatched dwellings of the ancient city below. The menu changes with the seasons but locally caught fish is always available, including light sea bass carpaccio and tender octopus risotto. After dining, check-in for panoramic views of the Bay of Tunis and Gulf of Carthage. Villa Didon’s onsite hammam is also exceptionally well-placed for those looking to work out the knots caused by a long day of walking.

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The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Tunisia and the World

Maxine Ben Taarit

A Guide to The Ruins of Carthage Tunisia

The Ruins of Carthage are known internationally. Carthage is a ritzy seaside neighborhood in the capital city of Tunis. Walk around Carthage and you are bound to run into ruins on every street corner. Your eyes will be mesmerized by the beautiful french colonial homes and modern villas, alongside magnificent views of the Mediterranean. Here’s a guide to get you through the Ruins of Carthage on its Archeological site.

Table of Contents

History of Carthage Tunisia

Carthage’s history begins with its founding in 814 B.C.E by the Phoenician Queen Dido. Carthage’s Phoenician name was the “New City” or “Kart-hadasht”, to distinguish itself from Utica. Utica was an older Phoenician establishment nearby. The Romans named the city Carthago, after the Greeks name for it Karchedon. Originally Carthage served as a small port for Phoenician traders to stop by if needed. With time it turned into one of the greatest port cities in the Mediterranean. Once it grew to a powerful city, Carthage became a rival to both Rome and Greek.

Hannibal, a Carthaginian general expanded the empire by conquering most of Africa, Rome, and Spain. He led his 70,000 men alongside elephants across the Swiss Alps to conquer Rome. However, he was severely defeated. Seeking revenge, Rome attacked Carthage. Roman General Scipio Aemilianus besieged the city for three years. When Carthage fell the Romans destroyed the city.

Utica became the main city of Power. Julius Caesar rebuilt Carthage. Carthage once again became an important city until the fall of the Roman Empire. 

After the Roman Empire, Carthage would be invaded by several different civilizations. Firstly, the Byzantine Empire invaded Carthage. They maintained the Roman influence over Carthage. The Byzantine fought many times with the Vandals. They were successful in keeping them away from Carthage. However, The Byzantine Empire would be conquered by the Muslims. The Muslims used many of the ruins of Carthage to build what is present-day Tunis. 

Getting Around Carthage

You can go from one site to another on foot. Most of the historical sites of Carthage are within a five-minute walking distance from each other. If you are visiting on a hot day I would recommend getting a cab for the day. You should discuss the price beforehand. You can also hire a tour guide who can take you through the different historical sites of Carthage. 

Ruins of Carthage and Mosque

The archaeological site of Carthage is a Unesco World Heritage site . For 10 dinars you are able to enter all the Historical sites listed below with the exception of the Cathedral. I would recommend doing them in the order listed below.

There is not much visible to the naked eye of the Punic Port today. What remains is the shape of the ports and the water. The Phoenicians designed the port to trick their enemies into thinking it was just a merchant port. A narrow channel linked the southern merchant port to the northern naval port, making it appear as if there was no naval base there. The Romans rebuilt the port to transport wheat. Today the Punic and Roman ruins of the port are underwater. There is a small museum where you can view models of each port. 

Baths of Antoninus

The baths are named after Emperor Antoninus Pius. The Romans built the baths between 146 AD to 162 AD. These baths are the largest baths in Africa and one of the largest baths that the Roman Empire has built. The Baths of Antoninus were unique in their design due to their proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The baths have a deep foundation. As a result, the Romans built the baths on the second floor. The lower floor was for staff rooms, storerooms, and water supplies. The Romans designed the baths to reflect their proximity to the sea. There was an open-air pool facing the sea, as well as access to the water via a grand staircase.

The baths were similar to Roman baths in the way they functioned. The bathes had separate spaces for men and women. There was a cold room (central frigidarium), warm room (tepidarium), and a hot room (caldaria) for separate space.  

What remains today is just the ground floor. The second floor of baths collapsed. However, you can still picture the grandeur and just how complex and extensive these baths were. 

Roman Villas

The Roman Villas are the ruins of the former upper-class homes under the Roman empire rule in Carthage. Villa of the Aviary is the only villa that remains on the site. This beautiful Villa overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, with well-preserved columns and mosaics. The ancient pathway of the neighborhood remains, as well as several mosaic pieces. 

The Roman theatre of Carthage

Built in the second century against the hillside this theater could seat around 10,000 spectators. Today the reconstructed theatre hosts concerts and live music venues. Every year it hosts the International Festival of Carthage. Across the streets you can see the ruins of old cisterns.

Byrsa was the original name of the citadel that was above the Punic harbor. Additionally, it was also the name of the hill the citadel was on. The legend of Byrsa says that when Queen Dido was seeking exile from her homeland Tyre, she and her followers settled in Byrsa upon their arrival in North Africa. The local Berber chief offered them as much land as a single ox hide could cover. Dido cut the oxhide into strips and completely encompassed Byrsa. Both locals and other residents of Utica, a Phoenician settlement nearby urged for the building of the city.

At the end of the legend Dido throws herself into the fire. There are various speculations on why she did it. Some say to protect her city, others her marriage, and some speculate she did it after abandonment from her lover Aeneas, a famous Trojan leader.

Today Byrsa Hill contains part of the original ruins of the Punic city of Carthage as well as the St. Louis Cathedral. 

Acropolium of Carthage (a.k.a St. Louis Cathedral)

Abbot Pougnet built the Acropolium of Carthage in 1830. The Acropolium was dedicated to King Louis IX. He died in Carthage on his way to Jerusalem. Hussein II Bey granted permission to France to build the chapel on the grounds of ancient Carthage. He allowed them to take as much land as they needed. They built the Acropolium on Byrsa Hill. The architectural style of the cathedral is Gothic and Byzantine. Today, the Acropolium is a cultural center. The museum houses several well-preserved mosaics, artifacts, and statues.

The Roman Amphitheatre of Carthage

The Roman Amphitheater was built in the 1st century AD and then rebuilt by Julius Caesar. This amphitheater is one of the largest amphitheaters of its time. The Amphitheatre can hold up to 30,000 spectators. The basement facilities, house a modern chapel dedicated to two saints. This amphitheater is one of three in Africa built on flat ground rather than a hill.

The Al Abidine Mosque / Malik ibn Anas mosque 

Located on the Hill of Oden, The Al Abidin Mosque, named after Tunisia’s former autocratic president, Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, is the more modern site in Carthage. This mosque opened in 2003 and encompasses a prayer hall that can hold up to 1,000 worshipers, an inner courtyard as well as a 9-meter minaret. This stunning mosque is definitely worth a stop for a photo op. After the Tunisian Revolution and the ousting of Ben Ali, the mosque was renamed to Malik ibn Anas, a Muslim jurist, theologian, and hadith traditionist contributed to formulating early Islamic legal doctrines.

Basilica of Damous El Karita

Next to the Malik ibn Anas Mosque are the ruins of the Basilica of Damous El Karita . This Basilica dates back from late Antiquity and the Byzantine era. In the complex, there were two churches, one martyrium, one hypogeum, and an underground rotunda. Experts believe the Basilica hosted religious pilgrimages and festivals. The first Christian monument discovered in Carthage is the Basilica. The archeologists never completely excavated the Basilica. The archeological research that has taken place to find early Christian inscriptions and over 1,000 tombs have stripped the ruins of most of its materials. Today, few ruins remain. A Catholic cemetery rests next to it. 

In summary, there is so much to see during your visit to the Ruins of Carthage! I hope this guide will provide you the information you need to discover Carthage!

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You may expect for there to be little left of Phoenician or Punic Carthage after it was destroyed by the Romans, the city was rebuilt by the romans but with some remains of earlier buildings left undisturbed. There is more of Roman Carthage to see though, an important city and capital of the Roman Province of Africa.

About Olivia Marsh

Olivia Marsh - Author - Professional chef and Travel enthusiast. Culinary Institute of America (CIA) graduate. Chef Marsh has traveled the globe from France, Italy, Germany to China, Thailand, India, Tunisia and more. Olivia lived in Tunisia for almost 10 years now. Follow me on Twitter

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Visit Carthage: Hannibal’s ancient capital

Posted on September 11, 2018 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on November 5, 2022

Tunisia is a country rich in history. A part of it used to form the Carthage Empire, which dominated most of the Mediterranean during the 4th century BC, thanks to its famous leader Hannibal. Now a modern city not far from the capital, Tunis, some part of the ancient Carthage can still be visited. Excavation and restoration works are still ongoing. Some of the sites have been really well preserved and walking through them you’ll get a feel of what life used to be like there millenniums ago.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on any links and make a purchase, I’ll get a small commission, at no cost to you.

Carthage History

Legends say that Didon, a Phoenician princess in exile, arrived in Tunisia in 814 BC and asked if she could occupy only the land that “could be fitted inside a cow skin”. The local chiefs agreed, Didon then thinly sliced the skin and was able to circle a whole hill and then proceeded to found Carthage.

With time Carthage became a major city and became Rome and Athens’ rival during the 4th Century BC. Carthage conquered many territories, especially during Hannibal’s reign and his famous elephants’ army. After having conquered most of Africa, Spain and the South of France, Hannibal and 70 000 men crossed the Alps and arrived at Rome’s doorstep. Waiting for more troops that would never come to attack Rome, Hannibal got defeated in several of his colonies in Spain then Africa.

Carthage slowly lost most of its territories and influence over the Mediterranean. Wanting revenge, Rome attacked the city in 149 BC which fought back bravely for three years before being defeated. Most of Carthage got destroyed and the rest became a Roman city. After the end of the Roman Empire, Carthage was invaded by the Vandals, the Byzantines and then the Arabs, to finally end-up being completely left in ruins, the materials being used to built Tunis.

Excavation work started in 1857 and there’s still a lot to uncover. Some places are surprisingly well preserved and Carthage is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Best places to visit in Carthage:

You can buy a combined ticket for 10 dinars for all of the sites below except for the Acropolium. If it’s not too hot, you can do everything on foot. If you don’t want to walk, you can hire a cab for half a day, most sites are isolated so you’ll need to have the cab waiting for you. Agree on the price first. You can also book a tour .

The Carthage Byrsa Museum

The Museum is rich in history and artifacts found all over Carthage from the Neolithic era (9th century BC) to the Roman Era (6th and 7th century AD). From there you’ll get a magnificent view over Carthage and the bay. Inside you’ll find several amazingly well-preserved sculptures and mosaics.

In the courtyard, you’ll find the ruins of the Byrsa quarter, built during Hannibal’s time at the beginning of the 2nd century BC. Carthage was completely destroyed in 146 BC and the Byrsa quarter is one of the most well-preserved ruins.

The museum is closed for renovation until October 2018, only the garden and the Byrsa Quarter can be visited.

The Acropolium

Next to the Carthage Museum, you’ll find the Acropolium, also known as the Saint Louis Cathedral. Built in the 19th century to honor Louis the 9th, king of France, who died in Carthage in 1270.

The outside looks like any cathedral but the interior is really worth a look. The paintings are really impressive. On the walls, you’ll see 234 coat of arms from contributors, all descending from crusader knights. Right in the entrance, look for the underground statue of Apollon.

The entrance fee is not included in the general ticket, price: 6 dinars.

The Antonine Baths

Probably the most spectacular ruins of Carthage, the Antonine Baths are the third-largest in the world. Built between 145 and 162 AD, it was destroyed later by the Vandals. Excavation work only began in 1945, only the lower floor remains, but you still can tell how huge the place used to be.

A bit further, you’ll find a Punic Necropolis and the ruins of the  Douimès Basilica (look for the mosaics on the floor).

The Tophet is the most ancient Punic religious site in Carthage. Dedicated to Tanit and Baal Hammon, archaeologists found thousands of children’s remains, burned to ashes on this site. The burial ground was in use for over 700 years and several layers of urns were found.

There are several theories to explain why children were offered to the gods. One theory is that noble families would sacrifice their firstborn by cutting their throat then burning the body. Recent findings contradict this theory, the children buried there could have died of natural causes and were then offered to the Gods by the family for good omens.

The Roman Villas

Built according to Roman architectural style, this neighborhood is a great place to realize what Carthage must have looked like centuries ago. Some of the buildings have been really well restored, among the best-preserved ones, you’ll find the Antiquarium Villa, the schola (religious center), two basilicas and a Punic necropolis. There are still several mosaics on the floor.

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The Roman Theater

Next to the Roman Villas, you’ll find the Roman Theater. Heavily restored, it is now used as a concert venue. Still worth a look but don’t expect too much.

Just in front of the entrance, more interesting, you’ll see the well-preserved ruins of a cistern.

The Punic Ports

Built in the 5th and 6th century BC, not much remains from the two merchant and war ports. You’ll only be able to see the way they dug the canals and lagoons centuries ago. It’s a nice place to take a walk and witness local life. A bit further, you’ll find a couple of seaside restaurants and cafés.

On the central island, you can also visit the Musée Océanographique. There you’ll find Tunisia’s fishing history as well as seashells, a fish collection, and a small aquarium.

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Carthage From Byrsa Hill, where you will find the best remains from the Punic era. This, however, is a Roman temple with a grand view over the Gulf of Tunis.

Carthage est delenda

And they really did – destroy Carthage. It is hard to imagine that this place housed the most beautiful and the richest sea port of ancient times, lasting for centuries until the destruction by the Romans in 146 BCE.

Carthage was destroyed because this capital had a tendency of surviving any hardship caused by the Romans. And as Carthage was Rome’s greatest contender for regional control and power, Rome felt that it could not rest until 3 years of destruction, concluded by 17 days of conflagration, had wiped Carthage out.

For a little bit more than 100 years Carthage was nothing but ruins and rubble. The Romans made Utica their capital. Then in 44 BCE, a Roman city was established where the Punic one had been.

The reconstruction was highly successful, and Carthage would rise to becoming the third largest and most important city around the Mediterranean Sea. Estimates show that between 200,000 and 700,000 lived here. So as the story goes, when Rome was crushed in the 5th century CE, Carthage thrived and prospered. Not before the arrival of the Arabs, did Carthage come to a final end.

But trying to discover the old Carthage, is difficult. Even if the ” destruction” left some of the structures of Carthage in good shape, the need for building material removed both ancient Carthage and the younger Roman structures.

For a long time, the world believe that all of the original Carthage was gone, and no few archaeological missions were launched before 1857.

Antonine Baths

From the Antonine Baths

Roman Carthage

What Roman Carthage may have looked in the 2nd century CE.

Launching ramp

Launching ramp for ships from the cental island. Ships landed here were often in for repairs.

Central island

Looking past the central island in southern direction.

Representation of the port of Roman Carthage, 2nd century CE. It used the same structures as the Punic port had.

Trying to understand what Carthage was like, the Punic port may be the best place to visit. Carthage was by far a stronger sea power than Rome for centuries. From trade over the Mediterranean waves, created the wealth of Carthage.

But the remains you see now, are of the Roman port structure. Especially, the circular island, is often used as an illustration of Carthage’s greatness before the Romans destroyed it all.

The Punic port is very much moulded by man, and is a 100 meter wide canal shaped like a perfect circle. The inner part, 130 metres in diameter was both the quay, and the dock where repairs were done. Even if this structure appears small, it was big enough for up to 220 slim ships at one time.

Little remains except a couple of anonymous stones lying randomly on the ground, as well as a couple of places where there are clear traces of the docks. These give clear indications of the size of the ships, as well has how they were docked.

Next to the port, there is a small museum with a model showing you how archeologists belive that the port was in Punic times.

Fishing at the Central Island

Fishing on the western side of the central island of the Punic Port. The opening to the ocean is most likely a modern invention.

Byrsa Hill View

You can just about make out the whole port arrangement looking at it from Byrsa Hill. The cirular island in front, while the rectangular basin furhter on.

Tophet with child sacrifice

Tophet Tomb

Grave Stone

Most modern archaeologists agree that child sacrifice was performed by the Carthaginians at the spot of the Tophet, just a few hundred metres from the Punic port. At this spot, hundreds of headstones over childrens’ graves are still standing, and in the ground one has found bones of both animals and children.

We hear of child sacrifice from both legends and Roman stories. But while these rituals most likely have been performed, they were hardly as common as claimed. It is believed that they were only performed in times of extraordinary hardship. In many cases, the Carthaginians used lambs or kid goats as replacement sacrifice, and in some cases perhaps even dead children.

The Tophet lies next to a sanctuary dedicated to Baal Hammon and Tanit, but from this, little remains.

The name ‘Tophet’ is not the original name, but comes from the Biblical name for sanctuaries of child sacrifice in the Middle East. We do not know what the Carthaginians called this place.

Tophet Grave Site

Antonine baths

View of baths

Winding Bathing Channels

These baths were once the very largest in the Roman empire. The main pool was as big as an Olympic pool. The curved public latrines were at first take for a theatre.

Very little of the upper structures remain, but the lower halls are so huge and extensive that it is hard not be amazed.

The baths were constructed from 145 to 165 CE, and is perhaps the best illustration as to how rich and wealthy Carthage was during the Roman era. They were the largest in North Africa, and third largest in the whole Roman world.

The entire structure was rich in functions:

– Frigidarium (cold bath) – Caldarium (hot room) – Tepidarium (hot bath) – Destrictarium (warmed cleaning room) – Laconium (sauna) – Palaestra (an open exercise yard)

Due to being so low compared to the sea, the heating and service areas were built above ground.

Punic remains on Byrsa Hill

Punic columns

Small pieces of Punic columns. You would just about make out two circles on the one furthest to the left. In front, are some Roman pieces.

Balls of Fire

Great balls of fire? Well, yes. These stone balls were covered in burning material, set on fire, before being launched at enemies at war.

Roman Statue

The centre of the Punic Carthage was at the present Byrsa Hill, a hilltop from where there are great views of what today is known as Gulf of Tunis. Although the Romans claimed that their destruction of the Punic city was complete, modern excavations has in fact been able to dig down to genuine Carthaginian quarters. It is not much, but still the more fascinating to see (lower photo).

Each of the Punic houses had their own cisterns and could rise up to 5 storeys of height.

The reason why this little quarter survived until modern times, was that the when the Romans decided to rebuilt Carthage 100 years after its destruction they leveled the top of the Byrsa Hill, and what wasn’t destroyed then was saved beneath the rubble.

In addition to these small quarters, the southern platforms contain a large number of fragments of columns, some Punic and some Roman.

Punic Ruins

The very, very best preserved part of Punic Carthage.

A Punic Bes, a protective god probably with origins in Egypt. It was used by commoners, and could serve as a protection of a house and a family.

Vases and Statues

Vases and statues of Punic origin.

Punic Columns

Remains of Punic columns, illustrating well how complete the Roman destruction of Carthage was.

Roman Mosaic in Hall

The main hall of the museum, with a splendid Roman mosaic on the floor. It is unfortunately badly lit, and trying to see it from the staircase is actually best done through binoculars.

To be a museum of the greatest Punic city, the Carthage Museum disappoints. And the reason is as ever the Roman destruction of 146 BCE.

Yet, there are more than enough bits and pieces here to start creating an image of the distant past. The smaller the item, the more likely that it has survived in one piece.

Small statuettes, vases and oil lamps are dominating the Punic sections. Styles are simplistic, yet not too different from Roman counterparts.

Larger items on display at the museum are mainly from the Roman era, including statues (of which some are large, take a look at the one on top of the staircase) and mosaics.

All in all, the conclusion is still that this museum is nothing compared to the quality of exhibits and presentation in the Bardo Musuem in Tunis.

Roman Mosaic Close up

Buildings with columns

Baths of Gargilius

Its name indicates that its original purpose is not known. This structure, right on the highway, may have been the Baths of Gargilius. In that case it has played a role in Christian history, being the place where St Augustine called a conference of bishops in 411 in order to defeat the Christian Donastist orientation.

Column Ruins

The theatre is a strange stop. It has been rebuilt so extensively that you cannot make out what is original and what is new. It actually looks as if everything you see is new.

On the other hand, the theatre is in full use. Shows are held here all the time, and when evenings come and lights are lit, new and old merges after all.

Archaeological garden

The Archaeological Garden

The Archaeological garden is marked on most routes around Carthage, but must be considered the least interesting stop of them all. When I visited in September 2005, much of the space was given over to some ongoing construction work. The remaining part was a tiny little garden with a few statues placed spread out. Nothing was labelled.

Cathedral on Byrsa Hill

Inside Cathedral of St. Lous

The Cathedral of St. Lous

The fact that the cathedral of St. Lous on the hill over Carthage still stands is rather surprising. It is indeed a monument over some historical incidents that the present Tunisian state would have all possible reason to disapprove of.

It was built in the 1890′ on the spot where the French king Louis 9 died in 1270. He was setting out on a “” where he attempted to convert the Muslim Hafsid ruler El Mustansir. During the siege of Tunis, the king died, and was later canonized.

In the 1930′ a grand conference was held here by the French Catholic Church, that proclaimed the revival of Africa’ Christian heritage. It is said that this conference provoked Habib Bourgiba, and gave strength to his nationalist feelings.

Today the cathedral is used only for cultural purposes.

Practicalities

Hotels And Alternatives

Quite little in Carthage itself. The hotels you find right here are rather expensive, and you might like to consider rather staying in La Marsa (5 km) or Tunis (17 km). Among the hotels here, the Résidence Carthage offers best value for money.

Nothing, except in the hotels. Tunis is your best chance, and even that is not terribly great.

Restaurants And Alternatives

Beyond the hotels, there are no great places to eat in Carthage. Good alternatives are Sidi Bou Said (2 km) or Goulette (6 km).

Change Money

Do this in Tunis.

Use the local train. This is great also for moving around the sites of Carthage. There are 6 stops along the railway for different parts of old Carthage.

– Carthage Salammbo

and Carthage Byrsa will take you to the Punic port, the Tophet, Hippodrome and the Paleo-Christian Museum.

– Dermech

is good for the 1890′ Cathedral and the excavations.

– Carthage Hannibal

is good for the Antonine Baths, Archeological Garden, Theatre and ‘ with Columns’

– Carthage Presidential

is good for Damous el Karita, the largest ancient church in North Africa.

– Carthage Amilcar

is good for Basilica St. Cyprian and Basilica Majorum.

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The site of Carthage

Carthage was founded by a Phoenician princess, Alyssa, who in ancient texts is known as Dido. Destroyed by the Romans, Carthage would be reborn from its ashes and became a major city of the Roman empire.

Carthage – Qart Haddasht or “new city” in the Phoenician language – was founded by a woman, Alyssa , who in ancient texts is known as Dido (“The Wanderer”). Sister of Pygmalion, the king of Tyre , she left Phoenicia with a handful of companions: her own brother had murdered her husband, a priest of the goddess Ashtart. It was, according to the texts, 814 B.C.

Then, the decline of the Phoenician cities of the East caused Carthage to take up the key role in their network. She made it into one of the richest empires of its time. Only the Greeks could overshadow it; but it was the Romans , in the end, who overcame its might, invaded it and delivered it to the flames in 146 B.C. A century later, Carthage would be reborn from its ashes. Rebuilt in Rome ’s image, it would be close to its equal in splendour due to the size and opulence of its monuments. The province of Carthage, Africa , would become one of the Empire’s most dazzling; it was also, in late antiquity, a key location for the spread of Christianity .

This rich history has left countless traces scattered across a vast area. The different eras are intimately intertwined. 

Punic Carthage

These basins, although partly filled, still remain; the second contains a central island where traces of the former dry docks were found. Close by could be found the Punic sanctuary dedicated to the deities Tanit and Baal Hammon , today better known as tophet . It consisted of a vast open-air sacred space where the Carthaginians placed, for centuries, carved stelae bearing their wishes, these would be accompanied by offerings and animal sacrifices.

The Roman city

The dimensions of the amphitheatre approached those of the Colosseum of Rome. The hippodrome , today long gone, was the second largest of the whole empire after the Circus Maximus.

The new Carthaginians went to the theatre en masse; there they cheered for comedies and Latin tragedies, mime shows, tightrope walkers, public lectures given by speakers such as the great African writer Apuleius.

Well preserved, this theatre used to be even bigger than it appears today: upper tiers were added to the stands built into the hillside, supported underneath by a structure of arcades.

The rich Romans had superb villas  with courtyards lined with alternating porticos, mosaic-tiled ceremonial rooms, gardens punctuated with marble statues and fountains.

They went to unwind under the vaulted ceilings of the thermal baths built under Emperor Antoninus : their lower levels, well preserved, and a few immense columns give an idea of their colossal dimensions– up to thirty metres under the highest point of the highest vault. Close by, Punic tombs, remains of Roman houses, ruins of crypts and Christian basilicas intermingle. For Carthage was also a great hub of Christianity. Saint Augustine imposed his doctrine there through heated councils. Several ruins of Christian basilicas have been rediscovered; the one known as Damous el-Karita is the largest in Africa. Carthage was then abandoned for centuries, and its monuments looted: its marble and its granite were used to build the cathedrals in Pisa and Genoa , its most beautiful capitals and marble columns were taken to decorate the Al-Zaytuna mosque in Tunis. The site still remains strongly evocative of this city whose influence was felt for over a thousand years.

Points of interest:

According to legend, Byrsa Hill would be the founding place of the city. The site addressed the usual worries of the Phoenicians with the possibility of establishing a well protected and easily defensible port. Visible on the other side of the bay, Mount Bougarnine (“with two horns”) sheltered a sanctuary dedicated to the god Baal, renamed Saturnus Balcaranensis in the Roman era.

The sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Tanit and the god Baal Hammon is a space where, layer upon layer, thousands of votive stelae have accumulated. Its nickname of tophet (of biblical origin) refers to the tales of child sacrifices that certain Greek and Roman authors returned with; but the reality of this archaic rite is disputed by leading experts.

It is in Tunisia that Roman mosaic attained a high level of artistry, thanks to the creativity and technical mastery of the local mosaic artists. Roman African mosaic is remarkable for the spontaneity of its scenes and the realism of its delicately nuanced colours.

The restored Roman Villa known as La Voliere is remarkable with its pink marble colonnade and its appearance hall which overlooks a series of basins. The beautiful Romano-African homes were arranged around an interior courtyard, and their floors decorated with mosaics (the one featuring racehorses comes from another Carthaginian dwelling).

Video: the Baths of Antoninus  

Video: the Cisterns of La Maalga

The site of Carthage was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More about the World Heritage Sites in Tunisia

Stroll through the BARDO MUSEUM

Tunisia’s Culinary Journey

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Thalasso, a good reason to go to Tunisia

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• About Trudy

Live & Travel Well for a Healing Journey...

Tunisia travel guide – carthage, sidi bou said & tunis medina.

The country Tunisia is a treasure trove of archeology, art, Mediterranean vistas and eloquent architecture.  Its capital city, Tunis, is the perfect hub from which to experience fascinating travel gems.  The top sites in the area include Carthage Archeological Park, Sidi Bou Said, Tunis Medina (Old Town) and Bardo Museum.  I was so inspired by my time spent here and love sharing travel tips.  So, read on to discover from this Tunisia Travel Guide how to see and do in this unique destination.

About Tunisia

Tunisia is the northernmost country in Africa on the Mediterranean Sea.  It’s named after the capital city, Tunis . Here, diverse landscapes include the eastern end of the Atlas Mountains and the northern parts of the Sahara Desert.  Tunisia is known for its archaeological site,  Carthage , dating back to the 9th century BC and the Great Mosque of Kairouan. The regional power shifted from Carthage to Kairouan and the  Medina of Tunis   during the medieval period until the early 20th century.  Also, the Medina of Tunis is a popular World Heritage Site for tourism.   Today, most of its population is Arab and Muslim and the currency is the Tunisian dinar.     

Tunisia is known for its cross-cultural influences, such as, Phoenico-Punic, Roman, Paleochristian and Arab.  The Berbers inhabited Tunisia and later, the Phoenicians arriving in the 12 th century BC and establishing Carthage.  By the 7 th century BC, Carthage became the most powerful mercantile empire and rival to the Roman Republic.  In 146 BC the Romans defeated and occupied Tunisia for almost 800 years.  Later, in the 7 th century AD, Arab Muslims conquered Tunisia until the Ottoman Empire took control in 1546 for 300 years until the French conquered Tunisia.  Finally, Tunisia gained independence in 1956. 

Tunisia Travel Guide Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, Tunis Medina & Bardo Museum

My experience started from the port-of-call La Goulette with all the sites within a 20- minute drive away.  In one day I was able to do a morning tour at Carthage and spend the afternoon walking the streets of Sidi Bou Said.  Unfortunately, travel advisories prevented me from going to Tunis Medina and Bardo Museum.  However, I included information on this because if you are here, it is a must-see but considered with safety precautions. 

Carthage Archeological Site Tunis Travel Guide

Carthage was founded in the 9th century B.C. on the Gulf of Tunis by the Phoenicians.  It developed into a great trading empire for much of the Mediterranean.  During the Punic Wars, Carthage occupied territories belonging to Rome.  However, Rome eventually destroyed and overtook Carthage in 146 BC.  This created Roman Carthage ruins on top of the original ruins.  Because the area containing the ruins is spread out, I suggest taking a guided tour for insights and a ride to the different entrances. 

Overall, the most significant sections of Carthage include the acropolis of Byrsa, the Punic ports and Tophet, Roman theatre, necropolises, circus, amphitheater, Roman villas, basilicas, Antoninus baths, Malaga cisterns and archeological reserve.  Other remains of Roman and Punic Carthage can be seen in the Carthage Museum. 

You will need a whole day to thoroughly enjoy the entire archeological park. If your time is limited to less than half a day, I highly suggest seeing the acropolis of Byrsa, the Roman Baths of Antoninus, Amphitheatre and Roman Villas.

Acropolis of Byrsa :  Byrsa Hill was the original location for ancient Carthage with many archeological gems plus a good view of the harbor.  Also, Byrsa was the original name of the citadel on the hill. The legend of Byrsa is that when Queen Dido exiled from her home land, so she and her followers settled on Byrsa Hill.  Also, on top the hill is the Acropolium or St. Louis Cathedral in Gothic and Byzantine style.  Today, it’s used for events and concerts.  Roman Baths of Antoninus:  These are the largest Roman baths built outside of Italy during the reign of Antoninus Pius.  Separated for men and women, they comprise of cold, warm and hot rooms in separate spaces.  Only the ground floor remains, as the second floor collapsed.  However, this is breathtaking to explore with mazes of archeological vestiges revealing a grandiose past. 

Roman Amphitheater: This was built in the 1st century AD and then rebuilt by Julius Caesar. It’s one of the largest amphitheaters of its time, holding up to 30,000 spectators.  Also, it’s built on flat ground rather than a hill.

Roman Villas: These are remains from the former upper-class homes under the Roman empire rule in Carthage. Villa of the Aviary is the only villa on site. It showcases well-preserved mosaics, columns and statues. 

Sidi Bou Said Village – Tunisia’s Santorini

Next to Carthage about 15 km north of Tunis is Sidi Bou Said .  If you only do one thing in Tunisia, this is the place to visit.   Even if you have a couple hours here a wander through the village is life-changing.  And if you have longer, even better to soak up all the inspiration from this blue and white sanctuary.  The whole village is like a work of art and anyone that wanders here can’t help but be inspired.

It’s named after a religious figure who lived here, Abu Said as-Baji.  During the 1920’s, Rodolphe d- Erlanger started the blue-white theme to the town.   Today, his home, Ennejma Ezzahra is a museum housing musical instruments with concerts of Arabic music.  Overall, the town is known for artists living or visiting here, such as, Paul Klee, Gustave-Henri Jossot, Louis Moillet, Aleister Crowley and many Tunisian artists. 

Unique Things to Do in Sidi Bou Said Village

Sidi Bou Said is an open-air museum because it’s overall so esthetically pleasing.  Many people describe this village as “Tunisia’s Santorini,”  and it’s a photographer’s dream!   A great place for an incredible view is the top of the cliff that overlooks the Amilcar and port of Sidi Bou Said. Look for a Mechmoum vendor (there are lots!) and get yourself one of their small flower bouquets or necklaces made from jasmine.   Also, enjoy the yummy Bambalouni , a Tunisian donut available in many shops.

Interesting stops in Sidi Bou Said: Tunisia Travel Guide

Café de delice – Here you can discover why the French singer, Patrick Bruel sang about about this cafe in his song  Au Café des Délices  on his 1999 album  Juste Avant.

Palace Dar Nejma Ezzahra – This palace was owned by Baron Rodolphe e’Erlanger and after his death sold to the Tunisian government.  Today, it’s a museum with numerous historical artifacts.  It also is the venue for Le Centre des Musiques Arabes et Mediterraneennes, where concerts perform throughout the year. 

Museum Dar el-Annabi – This museum displays the way life used to be many years ago in Tunisia.  It was a summer home built in the late 18 th century.  They even offer you a free cup of mint tea while exploring the site. 

Art Galleries – There are art galleries galore in this Bohemian village.  The most popular ones include Galerie A. Gorgi, Selma Feriani Gallery and Ghaya Gallery.  Overall, they mostly showcase local artists. 

Elypsa Spa –  For wellness travel, this spa offers massages, facials and even has a swimming pool. 

  Tunis Medina (Old Town) and Bardo National Museum Tunisia Travel Guide

The Medina of Tunis (Old Town) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 700 monuments. In the 9 th century the Medina was surrounded by walls, but the walls are gone now.  From the 12 th to 16 th century, Tunis lived a Golden Age. Today, the area is filled with narrow alleyways, souks, mosques, mausoleums, madrasah and fountains.  Also, in Tunis is the amazing Bardo National Museum , housing the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics. 

Safety Precautions:   When I was in Tunisia in 2023, it was highly recommended to not tour the Tunis Medina or Bardo Museum for safety concerns.   The heightened security measure resulted from terrorism threats.  Also, be aware that on March 18, 2015 two militants attacked the Bardo National Museum, killing tourists and taking hostages.   Hopefully, you are there at a safer time than myself or those unfortunate ones in 2015. This gives me a good excuse to return because it was a shame to miss it.

Enjoy Tunisia!

Overall, there is so much to see and do around the capital city, Tunis in such a concentrated area.  You can either take a deep dive into history or float in inspiration from the beauty.   Tunisia has something for everyone.  Please share your comments below if you have any ideas on how best to enjoy Tunisia!

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IFSA Africa 2024: New events to promote culinary tourism

07/05/2024 14:25, TUNIS/Tunisia

Tunis, May 7 (TAP)- The Tunisian Federation of Tourist Restaurants (FTRT) will organise two international events aimed at promoting Tunisian culinary tourism, on July 3-5, 2024, in Tunis, as part of the 2nd edition of IFSA Africa 2024 international food show Africa, which showcases the latest in food processing technology and packaging.

These events include the 1st International Culinary Heritage Days Festival and the first International Chefs' Competition, to be held at the Kram Expo Centre in collaboration with ITNC Expo, the organiser of the IFSA Africa trade fair, FTRT Executive Director Mohamed Haouas told TAP.

The FTRT organised an information symposium on Tuesday for economic and cultural attachés representing over 30 embassies accredited in Tunis and international organisations based in Tunisia, with the support of the Ministries of Tourism and Handicrafts and Foreign Affairs.

The goal is to create a year-round tourism dynamic, promote Tunisian culinary tourism and develop exports of local agri-food products, added Houas.

The event will also promote Tunisia's image and offer the participating foreign countries an opportunity to showcase their culinary heritage, he added.

The number of foreign participants will be determined following the event, which was attended by attachés from several countries including Canada, Italy, France, Spain, the Republic of Cuba, Pakistan, Argentina, Algeria, Syria, Libya and Morocco.

IFSA Managing Director Islem Louati pointed out that this year's show will feature five new international events and competitions, which will be juried by internationally renowned professionals.

He cited as an example the first the Carthage Africa Pizza Cup, which will be held in partnership with the Italian Academy" Accademia Pizzaloli Enotria," adding that the winner of this competition will take part in the World Pizza Championship.

There will also be the Carthage International Oil Competitions Pavilion, a showcase where producers will present the best olive oils from their countries, which will be assessed by international juries.