Carthage

城市概覽

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 brought elephants across the Alps to battle with the Romans. He was defeated by the 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. Carthage lost and the city was completely destroyed by order of the Roman 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 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.

如何抵達

Take the TGM light rail line from Tunis to one of the following stations:

1 Carthage-Amilcar — only useful for the American Cemetery 2 Carthage-Présidence — for the Basilica of Saint Cyprien, or a walk past the President's palace 3 Carthage-Hannibal — most destinations including Antonine Baths, Roman Theatre and the hill-top Carthage Museum/Acropolium/Carthage Archaeological Park complex 4 Carthage-Dermech 5 Carthage-Byrsa — Oceanographic Museum, Punic Tophet and its nearby hotel 6 Carthage-Salammbo

當地交通

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.

必看景點

Carthage Lots and lots of ruins! The president's palace. Sweeping views of Tunis and the gulf. As of April 2026 you buy a ticket, costing 20 DT, which allows access to 10 different historic sites/museums, which are a big challenge to see in one day. This is now the only ticket on sale. You can’t buy tickets for individual sites. 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.

1 Antonin Baths. Ruins of the largest Roman baths outside Rome itself. The site also has a Punic cemetery, some old houses, some Punic kilns, a chapel, some graves, and mosaics. Guides are available in a number of languages, and may be worthwhile as the site is large. It is illegal to take photographs in the direction of the presidential palace. Doing so, especially when traveling alone, may land you in jail for up to 3 years, though the guards don't appear too concerned. (updated Nov 2018) 2 Carthage Museum. 8:30AM–5:30PM (until 7PM in the summer). Most remnants excavated from the ruins have been stored in the cavernous museum located on Byrsa Hill, documenting both the Punic and the Roman eras. Signs within the museum are entirely in Arabic and French. On the second floor, the part nearer to the staircases showcase artifacts from Roman times, and the inner part the artifacts of the earlier Punic period. Fascinating artifacts such as alabaster jars and jewelry remain. The descriptions of the Roman conquest and the legend of Dixon are also vivid, but sadly, inaccesible to English speakers. The museum grounds offer sweeping views of the coast and city, and also include the ruins of some Punic streets, the former site of a public library, numerous sculptures, a chapel or chu

體驗活動

International Festival of Carthage. In the summer is a treat with big name dancers, singers, and artists from all over the world for a very reasonable price (10.5 DT). Plastic chairs are not worth the price (26 DT) unless you are really aching for back-support. Most people bring cushions or blankets for the amphitheatre seats. Plan a late night out with concerts normally ending after 1AM.

購物

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

美食

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. 1 Le Rest'O, Byrsa, ☏ +216 71 733 433. Mediterranean cuisine and classy interior design. Great views of all of the city and the bay.

Carthage-Hannibal 2 Antonin Baths cafe. A small cafe on the Antonin Baths premises. Hot/cold drinks and some snacks. (updated Dec 2018)

Carthage-Présidence 3 Sale sucre (on the corner in front of the Basilica of Saint Cyprien). Doesn't operate in off-season. A tiny patisserie. Drinks can be acquired opposite at the gas station. (updated Dec 2018)

飲品與夜生活

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.

住宿

1 Villa Didon (next to the main Carthage ruins atop Byrsa Hill). This pricey hotel/spa offers food near the Carthage Museum. It features a stylish lounge and terrace with delightful views. Very pleasant for an evening beer or glass of wine, though apparently closed during off season. From 634 TN. (updated Nov 2018)

順遊推薦

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