The ruins of ancient Carthage, in the northern suburbs of Tunis, are well worth a day’s visit. The rich inheritance from this once thriving leading city and trading port will certainly thrill history lovers and amateur archeologists. 

Approaching Carthage along the coastal road from the south there are a number of interesting sights and experiences to further enhance your day’s exploring.

The first stop should be in the town of La Goulette, the working port of Tunis. It is a great place to enjoy a fish lunch or supper later in the day as there are a host of small restaurants in the main street. Standards here do vary, so choose one that is busy and has plenty of local customers. 

The Kasbah in La Goulette was built by Charles V of Spain in 1535 but only had a short useful life. It was taken and plundered by Arab forces just 29 years later, in 1574. It is known that the unfortunate captives of these Barbary coast pirates were held in the vast dungeons until a ransom was paid, or they were sold as slaves. Life was not easy in those times! 

Carthage is a further 2 ½ miles further on, after the town of Le Kram. The old harbour at Carthage does charge a small entrance fee. It is easy to find by following the signs to Les Ports Puniques. The Commercial port can be seen on the right and the military port lies straight ahead. First stop should be at the Museum of Oceanography which puts everything into context. When you have had your fill of the sights here, follow the signs to the Tophet, or Sanctuaire Punique on Rue Hannibal. This was where the Temples were built to the Carthaginian gods of Baal and Tanit. It was a site for human sacrifice, where in times of trouble local Carthaginians would bring their young children for sacrifice. Burial pits and funery urns were excavated here and commemorative stelae are piled up. This site has certainly seen some cruel practices in the past. 

Continue on into Carthage if you have the time and see the old french Cathedral, the National Museum of Carthage and the Antonine Baths. The restored Theatre of Hadrian is now used for festivals and cultural events and is a wonderful and appropriate setting for the festival of arts held here during July and August.