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History, Archaeology & Architecture

When in Tunis, you are surrounded by 3,000 years of history and architectural wonders. Explore the ruins of mighty Carthage, discover charming Sidi Bou Saïd and meander through Tunis Medina.

Carthage

Delenda est Carthago. After three wars, Rome had had it with its southern rival, destroyed Carthage and entirely rebuilt it as a Roman city. The Antonine Baths are a splendid example of Roman architecture and the Amphitheatre still houses the annual Carthage cultural festival. The Punic port is a work of military genius and from Byrsa hill, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Queen Dido's city.

  • The Antonine Baths
  • Byrsa hill, the museum and Acropolium
  • The Roman Amphitheatre
  • The Punic Port
  • The Tophet

Sidi Bou Saïd

Situated atop the hill of the same name, Sidi Bou Saïd village's cobblestone streets and homogeneous white cubical homes with blue studded doors are quite simply stunning. The Café des Nattes and Café Sidi Chebaane, the 365 stairs leading to the port, and the Baron d'Erlanger palace which houses the Centre of Arab & Mediterranean Music, are among the must-see landmarks.

  • The Palace of Baron d'Erlanger
  • The Mausoleum of Sidi Bou Saïd
  • Café des Nattes
  • Café Sidi Chebaane "Café des Délices"
  • Sidi Bou Saïd port

Tunis, the Medina and Art Nouveau quarter

A walk along Avenue Bourguiba is a journey through time. From the Art Nouveau quarter with its cathedral and colonial Art Nouveau buildings - especially the theatre is a marvel - walk your way to Bab Bhar, the main gateway to the Medina. Its palaces, mosques and souks (markets), are organised by trade around the Zitouna Mosque.

  • Tunis Cathedral
  • The municipal theatre
  • Bab Bhar
  • The Medina and its souks
  • Zitouna Mosque

Bardo Museum

Bardo Palace was the official residence of the Bey (monarch and ruler of Tunisia). When Tunisia became a republic, the palace was confiscated from the Beys. Today, it houses the Tunisian Parliament and Bardo Museum. A marvel of traditional architecture in itself, the museum houses the world's largest collection of Roman mosaics, as well as extensive prehistoric and Punic collections.

  • Mosaic of Virgil
  • Jewellery
  • Masks and terracotta statues
  • Blue Qu'ran

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