Chemtou

The marble that dressed Rome.

Chemtou, ancient Simitthus, was famous for one thing: a golden-yellow marble that the Romans prized and shipped across their empire. The quarries are still visible, cut deep into the hillside.

An excellent museum tells the story, and the surrounding ruins include an aqueduct and the remains of a bridge over the Medjerda. Few visitors make it here, which is part of the appeal.

Highlights

• The ancient marble quarries

• Chemtou Museum

• The aqueduct

Best for: History, off the beaten track

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