Carthage



The ruins of Carthage (Arabic: قرطاج, Qarṭāj) are in Tunisia, 15 km north of Tunis.

Understand
A Phoenician city from the 6th century BCE, it was the base of a powerful trading empire spanning the entire south Mediterranean and home to a population of the order of half a million people. The legendary founder Queen, Dido, bought from the locals 'as much land as a cow's skin can cover', and by cutting finely the skin of the cow, gained Byrsa Hill. Its most famous general was Hannibal, who crossed the Alps to battle with the Romans. Hannibal suffered his defeat against Roman general Scipio "Africanus" at the Battle of Zama in 202 BCE, which ended the 2nd Punic War. After over 50 years of being watched closely by Rome, they were eventually attacked in the 3rd Punic War. The citizens defended the city against the Republic of Rome in 146 BCE yet lost, and Punic Carthage was completely destroyed by the order of the Senate. The site was redeveloped by the Romans a century later and Carthage became the capital of the Roman province of Africa. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage List site.

The Byrsa Hill at the rear of the area dominates both the ocean gulf and the lake and plain of Tunis inland to the west, and is therefore the most strategic point.

Today the district is very affluent, with elite schools, wealthy residents, relatively numerous police, a large number of archaeological sites and museums and the President's own seaside residence.

Get in
Take the TGM light rail line from Tunis to one of the following stations:
 * — only useful for the American Cemetery
 * — for the Basilica of Saint Cyprien, or a walk past the President's palace
 * — most destinations including Antonine Baths, Roman Theatre and the hill-top Carthage Museum/Acropolium/Carthage Archaeological Park complex
 * — Oceanographic Museum, Punic Tophet and its nearby hotel
 * — Oceanographic Museum, Punic Tophet and its nearby hotel

Get around
Mostly it's best to walk. However, the area is large and sightseeing is sweaty work on a hot day.

By taxi
If you are tired, you may wish to get a cab between some of the major tourist spots. This should be cheaper in low season.

Carthage
Lots and lots of ruins! The president's palace. Sweeping views of Tunis and the gulf.

You can buy a ticket for 12 DT (Jul 2022) that allows access to about 8 different historic sites/museums, which are a big challenge to see in one day. Only some sites have extensive English signage - many, such as the museum, do not. Some are not open, and most signposts pointing to where they are sketchy at best.

The most impressive sights (with better preserved ruins) are Antonin Baths and Byrsa Hill near the Carthage Museum. Amphitheater, Hill of the Odeon, and Water Cisterns are much smaller but still interesting.



Buy
Other than tourist trinkets, unless you are looking for high end furniture or daily use commodities and food you may find your options limited.

Eat
There are a number of eateries scattered around the district, though most lie outside of the major tourist trail.

Carthage-Byrsa and Carthage-Salammbo Area

 * There is a restaurant-hotel with a relatively expensive but good selection (including wines) near the Punic Tophet on Rue de Hannibal south of the southerly Carthage-Byrsa station, east of Carthage-Salammbo. It's not far from the Oceanographic Museum
 * North of Carthage-Byrsa, two local sandwich shops can provide cheap eats and coffee.
 * On the main road Route La Goulette between Carthage-Byrsa and Carthage-Salammbo stations, there is a restaurant that offers a range of salads, meat dishes, sandwiches, and pizza.

Drink

 * The hotel/restaurant on Rue de Hannibal, just south-west of the Punic Tophet, offers a wine selection, though all are Tunisian and overpriced. Beers also appear to be available.

Go next

 * La Goulette
 * La Marsa
 * Sidi Bou Said - this charming town is just a few train stops from Carthage and is a great place to eat and watch the sunset
 * Tunis — the laid-back capital of Tunisia with a very authentic souk