The history of the city began in 825 BC. During its entire existence, it was destroyed three times. For the first time - during the third Punic War (149 BC). In the VII century the city was destroyed by the Arabs, in the XVI century Carthage was finally destroyed by the Spaniards.
Any tourist can visit the ruins of the once great city. But it is impossible to inspect everything: in some places excavations are still underway, some objects belong to the territories of special regime. The main excavation sites are located on the site, which is 6 km long.
The city authorities are helping to maintain the attractiveness of the city. For wealthy Tunisians, owners of villas in Carthage, there is a law: every year they must whitewash their houses and paint their windows and doors blue. Those who do not follow this rule fine.
Attractions
The city has preserved monuments of various eras: Punic, Byzantine, Spanish, Roman.
Main attractions:
Amphitheater - a five-level building of the 2nd century. At one time it was able to accommodate 50,000 spectators.
Baths of Anthony Pius (Baths of Antonin Pius) are the largest baths of the ancient Roman world. They occupy an area of about 2 hectares. Behind them is an archaeological park, which was laid out in 1953.
Damus El Carita - the ruins of the oldest Christian building in Tunisia. A little further away are the Basilica of Saint Cyprian, the Monastery of Saint Monica and the Basilica of Magiorum.
National Archaeological Museum of Carthage. Although the museum is still under development, its collection extensive: from antiques to funerary steles, from a model of Punic Carthage to clay masks. The museum's garden is also worth seeing. Among the greenery are fragments of ancient buildings and a 3-meter statue of Louis IX.
Oceanographic Museum. There are various fish species of the Mediterranean Sea, sea shells and Tunisian fishing boats.
Punic Carthage - the ruins of Carthage from the Punic times. Worth visiting is the Magon quarter and the Punic quarter.
Roman theater - built in the 2nd century AD. Designed for 5 thousand spectators. Almost completely restored, the Summer Festival in Carthage is held here.
Roman villas - are located in a park near the Roman Theater. At one time, there was a Pun cemetery here - you can see the remains of graves. One of the villas - the restored Villa de Volieres - houses an aquarium.
Cathedral of St. Louis is the largest church in Africa, built at the end of the 19th century. The National Archaeological Museum is located in the cathedral and nearby buildings.
Tophet is a sacred place. Previously, sacrifices (including human) were made here to the gods, mostly to the god Baal. According to archaeologists, at least 7,000 people were sacrificed in this place.
Beers Hill - it is here, on a hill 70 meters high, that the Cathedral of St. Louis is located. From here a wonderful view of the Mediterranean Sea and Carthage opens.
Mount of Jupiter - located near the hill of Bierce. In the north-eastern part of the hill there is a building with twin columns. Its purpose is still not clear.
La Magla Cisterns - huge underground cisterns (length - 95 m, width - 12.5 m, height - 11.5 m), created by the Romans for storing water. In addition to these attractions, the Lavigierie Museum is worth a visit.
