Tunis, with a population of around 700,000, is a small and compact city of the Mediterranean coastline. This city, with very few beaches, doesn’t have much to attract tourists. Nonetheless, the remains of Carthage that lies only 15 Km to the north has lots to offer. Carthage, a city of the Phoenician and periods related to Carthage, was the basis of a vigorous trading domain extending throughout the entire Southern Mediterranean and was a shelter to inhabitants of over half a million people. The general Hannibal, who passed the Alps to fight with the Romans, faced his first defeat at the battle of Zama in 202 BC. For over 50 years, Rome ruled this city and eventually Rome was attracted in the 3rd Punic War. On the other hand, the inhabitants tried defending the city in opposition to the Republic of Home. But their attempt went in vain, and the Carthage was fully ruined by the order of the Senate. As the times passed, Carthage became the first city of the Roman canton of Africa and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its remains.
So, this was a small introduction to the history of Carthage. Now, lets have a brief look over some of the major tourist attractions at Carthage. In this centaury, almost all of the remains are the major attractions for tourists, out of which, The President’s Palace is also one. Besides the remains, magnificent view of Tunis and the gulf from Carthage is also one of the most liked attractions out here. If you buy tickets for 10 DT, you will be allowed to enter into some 10 various historic sites. These sites are so immense that one day is just not enough to see all of them.
Antonin baths, the remains of the biggest Roman baths, includes a Punic memorial garden, few old houses, some Punic kilns, graves, a chapel, mosaics, etc. Here, you can hire different guides capable of speaking different languages. The entry charge is only TD 5 (+1 for pictures). All most all remnants scooped out from the remains have been conserved in the Carthage Museum and the Acropolium (St. Louis Cathedral) situated in Byrysa Hill. The entry fee is as only TD 4.2. The museum displays wide setting of the seacoast and the town, and incorporate the ruins of few Punic avenue, the one-time site of a local library, plenty of sculptures, a church and dome excellent mosaics. Alas, a lot of items in the museum are not labeled, thus it is recommended to hire a guide who will not only tell their names, but also the history related to that item.
‘World War II North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial’ lies north of Carthage and is just five minutes of walk from the Amilcar Station This cemetery is open daily (9 am to 5 pm) excluding December 25 and January 1. The Cemetery is the last downtime place for 2,841 American army lost during the war in North Africa. A memorial is carved with the names of 3,724 Americans who corpse were never found or recognized. The monumental court incorporates huge maps in picture and ceramic portraying operations across the Africa. They don’t charge any fee to enter into the museum.
You would also like to have a look at the remains of a very gigantic series of water cisterns, which was used as a water transportation aqueduct from hills to the south. The remains of this aqueduct, which are still standing offers unparalleled views of the city. Amphitheater, surrounded by densely forested rolling hills, is an interesting place to stroll around. Again the items are not labeled, thus you might need an entertaining guide, who will not let you feel bored tell you anecdotes regarding the items. The Punic Tophet is a large collection of children’s’ gravestones. Many of them have facile symbols sculpt into them. You can also see some half-buried structures.
Moreover, Basilica of Saint-Cyprien, which is located to the north of Carthage Presidence station down the Route La Goulette. A huge Cemetery encircles the monumental Christian temple. Re-located in 1915, it was adapted toward a scenic ocean view, which will be enjoyable for sure.
Besides all these fixed place attractions, there are lots more you can do. The international fair of Carthage, during the summer months, give you immense pleasure with famous dancers, singers and other artists from all over the globe, that too at a very affordable price of only 10.5 DT. Also, you take a walking trip to the prehistoric buildings, gates of the medina and mosques, All the kinds of items including slaves used to be trafficked here. You can also enjoy an opera, ballet or other productions at the Theatre municipal de Tunis. Also wander through Tunis’s biggest park, the Belvedere Park that incorporates the museums of Modern Art and also the municipal Zoo. So have fun in and around Carthage!