Embark on a captivating Roman sites tour from Tunis and discover the ancient cities of Thuburbo Majus, Uthina, and Zaghouan. Explore well-preserved archaeological sites, admire stunning mosaics, and marvel at an impressive amphitheater. Don’t miss the Andalusian medina of Zaghouan and the fascinating history of Thuburbo Majus.
Embark on a captivating Roman sites tour from Tunis and discover the ancient cities of Thuburbo Majus, Uthina, and Zaghouan. Explore well-preserved archaeological sites, admire stunning mosaics, and marvel at an impressive amphitheater. Don’t miss the Andalusian medina of Zaghouan and the fascinating history of Thuburbo Majus.
- Uthina (Oudhna) - The ancient city of Uthina is situated approximately 30 km south of the capital, at a location known as Oudhna, atop a hill that overlooks the main routes to Carthage from the south and west of the country. Its origins appear to trace back to the Berber era, as indicated by its name. Throughout history, it experienced punishment…
- Uthina (Oudhna) - The ancient city of Uthina is situated approximately 30 km south of the capital, at a location known as Oudhna, atop a hill that overlooks the main routes to Carthage from the south and west of the country. Its origins appear to trace back to the Berber era, as indicated by its name. Throughout history, it experienced punishment and romanization, followed by brief periods under Vandal and Byzantine control—each lasting nearly a century—before entering a period of decline after the Arab conquest in the 7th century.
The site, which spans over a hundred hectares, is home to impressive Roman-era structures currently undergoing excavation and restoration. These include the largest capitol in Africa, arranged on three levels; two groups of large-capacity tanks; extensive public baths and smaller private baths; remnants of patrician homes; and an amphitheater that originally seated over 10,000 spectators.
- L’aqueduc de Zaghouan - This Roman aqueduct, which supplied water to the city of Carthage, stretched 132 km! The Zaghouan-Carthage hydraulic complex is the largest of its kind ever constructed.
Built in the early 2nd century AD, the Zaghouan aqueduct showcases the Romans’ expertise in water supply techniques. It traverses a challenging landscape, sometimes at ground level and sometimes underground, with sections elevated on arcades that reach over 20 meters high. Its flow was estimated at around thirty million liters per day.
Most of the water was stored in the massive vaulted reservoirs visible at Maalga, at the entrance to Carthage, before being used to supply the Baths of Antonine.
- Thuburbo Majus - The ancient city of Thuburbo Majus was established on the side of a hill, surrounded by a beautiful fertile valley, long before North Africa became part of the Roman Empire.
However, it is the magnificent Roman-era remains that make it one of the most stunning archaeological sites in Tunisia. Its Capitol, the most significant temple in Roman cities, is one of the best-preserved in Tunisia. Six elegant Corinthian columns formed the facade, with four still standing, overlooking a wide staircase that leads to the Forum.
A unique feature of Thuburbo Majus was its two bathing facilities: one for winter and another for summer. The summer baths were complemented by a sports field, surrounded by a beautiful covered gallery, known as the Palestre des Petronii, named after the Roman family who built the monument.
Another distinctive aspect of the site is the preservation of remnants that recall its pre-Roman past, such as the “temple of Caelestis” or the “temple of Baalat.”
- Private transportation
- On-board WiFi
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes
- Private transportation
- On-board WiFi
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes
- Lunch
- Lunch
On this journey, fans of archeology will enjoy both the aqueduct and the Oudna site, which was previously a Punic city before becoming Roman. Worth a special look is the ‘Laberii’ villa, consisting of thirty rooms over a space of 2,300 m², particularly noted for its mosaics. This well-conserved archeological site also houses a remarkable amphitheater…
On this journey, fans of archeology will enjoy both the aqueduct and the Oudna site, which was previously a Punic city before becoming Roman. Worth a special look is the ‘Laberii’ villa, consisting of thirty rooms over a space of 2,300 m², particularly noted for its mosaics. This well-conserved archeological site also houses a remarkable amphitheater that once had the capacity to seat up to 20,000 viewers. Continuing on, we’ll explore the Andalusian medina of Zaghouan, concluding our trip at Thuburbo Majus, an old Roman city. Despite undergoing a period of decline during mid-3rd century, it went through a significant resurgence in the 4th century, eventually naming itself Respublica Felix Thuburbo Majus.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.