Tunisia Main Ruins

The ruins of Tunisia date from the Megalithic through to the Roman and Byzantine eras. With hundreds of registered archaeological sites, it would be impossible to visit them all in a short trip.

BARDO MUSEUM

The Bardo Museum, located in the north of Tunis and originally a 13th-century palace, is a remarkable showcase of 17th and 18th-century Arab-Muslim architecture, having been extended and restored over the centuries.

It features collections from the prehistoric, Punic, Roman, Christian, and Muslim periods, and is especially renowned for its world-class Roman mosaics.

carthage

The Phoenician city of Carthage was founded, according to legend, in 814 B.C.   Built around Byrsa Hill it gradually became the most important of the Phoenician settlements along the North African coast.  It was reduced to ruins by the conquering Romans in 146 BC.  A hundred years later Julius Caesar had the city rebuilt and it went on to become second only to Rome in importance.  Now an easy metro ride from Tunis, the annual Carthage International Festival from June to August is held in the restored Roman theatre.

tourbet el bey

Tourbet El Bey is a significant historical monument located in the heart of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. Constructed in the 18th century, this grand mausoleum serves as the final resting place for members of the Husainid dynasty, which ruled Tunisia from the early 18th century until the mid-20th century. The architecture of Tourbet El Bey is a blend of Ottoman and local styles, featuring intricate tile work, marble columns, and elaborate carvings that reflect the wealth and power of the ruling family. The mausoleum's serene atmosphere and historical importance make it a valuable cultural site, offering insight into Tunisia's rich history and the legacy of its former rulers.

Oudhna (Uthina)

Oudhna, also known as Uthina, is an ancient archaeological site located in northern Tunisia, about 30 kilometers southwest of Tunis. Originally founded as a Roman colony, Oudhna was a thriving urban center during the Roman Empire, known for its impressive public buildings and strategic importance. The site is home to several well-preserved structures, including a large amphitheater, a basilica, and extensive bath complexes, showcasing the architectural prowess of the Romans.

The amphitheater, in particular, is one of the largest in Africa and could accommodate thousands of spectators, reflecting the city's significance in the region. Today, Oudhna offers visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of Roman North Africa and serves as an important reminder of Tunisia's rich and diverse historical heritage.

utica

Utica is one of the oldest cities in North Africa, located near the modern-day city of Bizerte in Tunisia. Founded by the Phoenicians around the 11th century BCE, Utica was originally a major port and trading center long before the rise of Carthage. As Carthage grew in power, Utica became its rival and later aligned with Rome during the Punic Wars, seeking to escape Carthaginian dominance.

After the fall of Carthage in 146 BCE, Utica was rewarded by Rome and became the capital of the Roman province of Africa for a time.

The city flourished under Roman rule, becoming a key administrative and commercial hub. Today, the ruins of Utica, including its baths, villas, and necropolis, offer valuable insights into both its Punic and Roman past, making it an important site for understanding the early history of the Mediterranean region.

Thuburbo Maius

Thuburbo Maius is an ancient Roman city located in the hills of northern Tunisia, about 60 kilometers southwest of Tunis. Originally founded as a Punic settlement, Thuburbo Majus was later developed into a thriving Roman town after becoming a veteran colony under the Roman Empire. The city prospered during the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, with its wealth reflected in the impressive public buildings and private residences that still stand today. Notable ruins include the Capitol, dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, as well as a large forum, public baths, and a complex of temples. The site also features elaborate mosaics and remains of residential quarters that provide a glimpse into the daily life of its inhabitants. Thuburbo Majus, with its well-preserved ruins, is a testament to the Roman influence in North Africa and serves as a significant archaeological site that offers insights into the region's ancient urban and architectural history.

KASBAH OF HAMMAMET

The Kasbah of Hammamet is a historic fortress located in the coastal town of Hammamet in northeastern Tunisia. Built in the 9th century during the Aghlabid period, the Kasbah served as a defensive stronghold overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, protecting the town from potential invaders. The fortress is characterized by its thick walls, battlements, and strategically placed towers, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding area. Over the centuries, the Kasbah has witnessed numerous historical events and has been expanded and modified by various ruling powers, including the Ottomans. Today, the Kasbah of Hammamet is a popular tourist attraction, not only for its historical significance but also for the vibrant cultural activities it hosts, including art exhibitions and festivals. The site provides visitors with a deep connection to Tunisia's medieval history and its enduring architectural heritage.

pupput

Puput was an ancient Roman city close to Hammamet city in northeastern Tunisia. Originally founded as a Punic settlement, puput became famous during the Roman era thanks to its strategic location near the Mediterranean Sea. This allowed the city to become a vibrant center of trade and agriculture.
The city saw the peak of its development in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, when it was officially recognized as a Roman colony. Today, puput archaeological site reveals remarkable remains, including a large cemetery, elaborate mosaic floors, and elegant villa ruins. These archeological artifacts provide important information about the wealth and lifestyle of its inhabitants during the Roman Empire.

Puput is particularly famous for its wide necropolis, which is considered one of the largest and most important in Roman North Africa. Although not as famous as other Roman sites in Tunisia, Puput offers a unique view into ancient burial traditions and daily life in this historic region.

citadel of kelibia

Kelibia Castle, also called Kelibia Fortress, is located on a hill overlooking the bright Mediterranean Sea in northeastern Tunisia. It was first built by the Carthaginians and later improved by the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Each group added its own style to the castle’s design.

Because of its important location by the coast, Kelibia Castle was used to protect the area from many attacks over the years. Today, visitors can see its strong walls, old watchtowers, and enjoy amazing views of the sea and the coastline. The castle is a great example of old military buildings.

Kelibia Castle is one of the most popular places to visit in Tunisia. It shows the country’s rich history and offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a must-see for anyone traveling to this part of Tunisia.

Kerkouane

On the coast of Cap Bon, between Kelibia and El Houaria, lies the Punic site of Kerkouane. This Phoenician town was known for producing the famous purple dye made from a special shellfish. Kerkouane existed for about 400 years before being destroyed alongside Carthage in the 2nd century BC. Unlike other sites, it was never rebuilt by the Romans, making it a unique and well-preserved Punic ruin, though most remains are low.

Visitors can still see the orderly layout of streets, house foundations with private baths, and traces of pink and white mosaics. Nearby, a small museum displays Punic artifacts and jewelry.

sbeitla (sufetula)

Sbeitla, known in ancient times as Sufetula, is a well-preserved Roman city located in central Tunisia. Established during the 1st century CE, Sbeitla flourished as a prosperous outpost of the Roman Empire, particularly during the 2nd and 3rd centuries. The city is renowned for its impressive ruins, which include some of the best-preserved Roman temples in North Africa. The most notable feature of Sbeitla is its Capitol, a unique complex of three temples dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, reflecting the city's religious significance. In addition to the temples, the site contains a large forum, public baths, a theater, and an array of Christian basilicas, highlighting the city's importance during both the Roman and Byzantine periods. Sbeitla’s well-planned streets, triumphal arch, and mosaics provide valuable insights into the urban life and architectural achievements of the time. Today, Sbeitla is a major archaeological site, attracting visitors who seek to explore the rich historical and cultural legacy of ancient Tunisia.

bulla regia (royal bulla)

Located 20 kilometers from Jendouba, the site of Chemtou was famous across the Roman Empire for its marble. The museum displays geological samples, excavation details, ancient carvings and funerary pieces dating back to 148 BC, as well as a hoard of Roman gold coins found at the site. The archaeological site includes marble quarries, remains of a prison camp, a hilltop altar, and a theater.

chemtou (simitthus)

Chemtou, known in ancient times as Simitthus, is a significant archaeological site located in northwestern Tunisia. The city was established by the Numidians and later became a prominent Roman town, renowned for its rich marble quarries. The marble from Chemtou, known as giallo antico or "antique yellow," was highly prized throughout the Roman Empire and was used in some of its most prestigious buildings, including the Pantheon in Rome. Simitthus developed into a prosperous urban center, with its wealth largely derived from the marble industry. The site features remarkable ruins, including a large forum, temples, baths, and an amphitheater, all showcasing the city's architectural and cultural richness. One of the unique aspects of Chemtou is the marble workshops and quarries, which provide valuable insights into ancient mining and stone-working techniques. Today, Chemtou stands as an important testament to Tunisia's ancient industrial heritage and its role in the broader Roman world, attracting archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike.

Dougga (Thugga)

Dougga, known in antiquity as Thugga, is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in North Africa, located in the northwestern part of Tunisia. Originally founded by the Numidians, Thugga became an important city under Roman rule, particularly during the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE. The site is renowned for its remarkable state of preservation and the extensive ruins that offer a vivid picture of life in a Roman city. Key features include the majestic Capitol, dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, the well-preserved theater, and the expansive forum. Additionally, Dougga boasts numerous temples, public baths, and private villas, many adorned with intricate mosaics. The site also includes a Punic-Libyan mausoleum, one of the few surviving examples of its kind, highlighting the city's earlier, pre-Roman history. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Dougga is celebrated not only for its architectural grandeur but also for its role as a cultural and administrative center in Roman North Africa, making it a must-visit for those interested in Tunisia’s rich archaeological heritage.

Makthar (Mactaris)

Makthar, known in ancient times as Mactaris, is an archaeological site located in central Tunisia. Founded by the Numidians, Mactaris later flourished under Roman rule, becoming an important regional center from the 1st century BCE onwards. The city is particularly noted for its blend of Roman and indigenous Berber architectural and cultural elements. Among the most impressive ruins at Makthar are the well-preserved Trajan's Arch, the forum, and the large bath complexes, which reflect the city's prosperity during the Roman period. The site also features a unique structure known as the Schola Juvenum, a rare example of a Roman youth clubhouse, which provides insights into the social life of the time. Additionally, the remains of Christian basilicas and a large necropolis reveal the city's continued importance during the Byzantine era. Today, Makthar offers visitors a rich tapestry of history, showcasing the enduring legacy of Roman and Berber civilizations in Tunisia.