Carthage

An ancient empire, scattered among the villas.

Carthage was once one of the great powers of the Mediterranean. Today its ruins are scattered across a quiet suburb, between villas and gardens, which makes exploring it feel like a treasure hunt rather than a museum visit. The whole archaeological site has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1979.

Start on Byrsa Hill for the view and the museum, then head down to the Antonine Baths, once among the largest in the Roman world, set right on the sea. The circular Punic ports, still visible in outline, hint at the naval power that once rivalled Rome.

Highlights

• Byrsa Hill and the Carthage Museum

• The Antonine Baths

• The Punic ports

Best for: History, archaeology

Photo: Silar / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0