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 archaeological collections from the prehistoric, Punic, Roman, Christian, and Muslim periods, and is especially renowned for its world-class Roman mosaics, reflecting Tunisia’s rich cultural heritage.
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, this remarkable archaeological site hosts the annual Carthage International Festival from June to August, held in the restored Roman theatre.
tourbet el bey
Tourbet El Bey is a significant historical and archaeological 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.
Its architecture blends 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 heritage 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 site located about 30 kilometers southwest of Tunis, in northern Tunisia. Founded as a Roman colony, it became a thriving urban center during the Roman Empire, valued for both its strategic location and its monumental architecture.
Among its most notable structures are a massive amphitheater—one of the largest in Africa—a basilica, and vast bath complexes, all reflecting the engineering brilliance of the Romans. The amphitheater alone could hold thousands of spectators, highlighting the city’s regional importance.
Today, Oudhna offers visitors a remarkable glimpse into Roman ruins in North Africa and stands as one of the most significant sites preserving Tunisia’s rich cultural legacy and historical significance.
utica
Utica, near modern-day Bizerte in Tunisia, is one of North Africa’s oldest cities, founded by the Phoenicians in the 11th century BCE. Once a major port and rival to Carthage, Utica later allied with Rome during the Punic Wars to escape Carthaginian control.
Rewarded after Carthage’s fall in 146 BCE, Utica became the capital of Roman Africa for a time and flourished as a commercial and administrative center. Today, its archaeological remains—baths, villas, and necropolis—offer rich insights into its Punic and Roman heritage, making it a key site for history enthusiasts.
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, it later became a thriving Roman veteran colony.
The city prospered during the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, reflected in its impressive public buildings and private residences. Notable Roman ruins include the Capitol dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, a large forum, public baths, temples, and elaborate mosaics. As one of the most remarkable Roman sites in the region, Thuburbo Maius showcases Tunisia’s rich Roman heritage and offers valuable insights into the area’s ancient urban and architectural history.
The citadel OF HAMMAMET
The citadel of Hammamet is a historic archaeological fortress located in the coastal town of Hammamet in northeastern Tunisia. Built in the 9th century during the Aghlabid period, it served as a defensive stronghold overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, protecting the town from invaders.
The fortress features thick walls, battlements, and strategically placed towers offering panoramic views. Over centuries, it was expanded by various rulers, including the Ottomans. Today, the Kasbah of Hammamet is a popular tourist site, celebrated for its historical significance and vibrant cultural events. It offers visitors a deep connection to Tunisia’s medieval history and its rich architectural and archaeological heritage.
pupput
Puput was an ancient Roman city near Hammamet in northeastern Tunisia. Originally a Punic settlement, Puput became notable during the Roman era due to its strategic location by the Mediterranean Sea, fostering trade and agriculture.
The city flourished in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD as a Roman colony. Today, the Puput archaeological site reveals impressive remains, including a large cemetery, mosaic floors, and villa ruins. These artifacts offer valuable insights into the wealth and lifestyle of its inhabitants during the Roman Empire.
Puput is especially famous for its extensive necropolis, one of the largest and most important in Roman North Africa. Though less known than other Tunisian sites, Puput provides a unique perspective on ancient burial traditions and contributes to Tunisia’s rich archaeological heritage.
citadel of kelibia
Kelibia Castle, perched on a hill in northeastern Tunisia, was built by the Carthaginians and enhanced by later civilizations. Its strategic location made it a key defensive fortress for centuries.
Today, visitors can explore its well-preserved walls and watchtowers while enjoying panoramic sea views. Kelibia Castle is a top heritage site showcasing Tunisia’s rich military history and stunning coastal scene
Kerkouane
Kerkouane, on Cap Bon’s coast between Kelibia and El Houaria, is a Punic archaeological site known for producing purple dye from shellfish. Destroyed with Carthage in the 2nd century BC, it was never rebuilt by Romans, making it a unique and well-preserved Punic ruin.
Visitors can explore its street layout, house foundations, private baths, and mosaic traces. A nearby museum showcases Punic artifacts and jewelry.
sbeitla (sufetula)
Sbeitla, once known as Sufetula, is a beautifully preserved ancient Roman city nestled in the heart of Tunisia. Established in the 1st century, it thrived during the 2nd and 3rd centuries under the Roman Empire. The site is renowned for its remarkably well-kept temples, especially the Capitol dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva.
Among its other remnants are a grand forum, baths, a theater, and several Christian basilicas, all showcasing Sbeitla's significance during the Roman and Byzantine eras. Today, Sbeitla stands out as one of Tunisia's most impressive Roman sites, drawing in history enthusiasts and lovers of ancient heritage.
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 remarkable archaeological site in northwestern Tunisia. Founded by the Numidians and later developed by the Romans, the city was famed for its prized giallo antico marble, used in iconic structures like the Pantheon in Rome. Its wealth stemmed from the marble trade, and the site still showcases impressive Roman ruins, including a forum, temples, baths, and an amphitheater. Chemtou’s marble quarries and workshops offer rare insight into ancient mining techniques. Today, it stands as one of Tunisia’s most captivating Roman sites, reflecting a rich industrial and cultural legacy that continues to attract archaeologists and curious travelers.
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.