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Welcome to Kerkouane, Kerkouane

Explore the remarkably preserved Punic city of Kerkouane, located in Tunisia, an archaeological treasure offering insights into urban planning of the 3rd century BC. The site, never rebuilt by Romans, provides a rare window into Phoenician‑Punic civilisation. A compact museum onsite complements your visit with artefacts from daily life, religious practices and funerary rituals.

Historical Context

Kerkouane dates back to between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC and was abandoned during the First Punic War. The site was discovered in 1952 and is the only Punic town in the Mediterranean left intact, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site (whc.unesco.org).

Landmarks

  • Punic urban ruins: Remarkably preserved grid‑plan streets, houses with opus signinum floors, private baths and workshops, including purple dye production facilities.
  • House of Tanit: A residence featuring the protective symbol of the goddess Tanit embedded in the floor.
  • Necropolis of Arg el Ghazouani: A Punic cemetery ~1 km northwest of the city, with chamber‑tombs and the famed red‑painted sarcophagus known as “the princess of Kerkouane”.

Museums

  • Kerkouane Archaeological Museum

    This small onsite museum, inaugurated in 1987, displays artefacts from the ancient site and its necropolises, including pottery, amphorae, domestic objects, imported ceramics, religious items and architectural fragments.

    Visit Website

    Opening Hours: Archaeological site and museum open daily 09:00–18:00; closed Mondays as part of standard practice at the site (wanderlog.com).

    Ticket Price: Entry fee 8 TND (site and museum combined) (tunisia-travel-guide.com).

  • Nabeul Museum

    Located in nearby Nabeul, this archaeological museum (established 1984) houses Punic, Berber, Roman, Egyptian and local Cape Bon artefacts, including items related to Kerkouane such as Egyptian‑style amulets and Punic terracottas.

    Opening Hours: Standard museum hours in Tunisia vary, but typically operate 08:00–16:00; please verify locally.

    Ticket Price: Not specified; consult official sources or Nabeul cultural authorities for current rates.

Tips for Visitors

  • Wear a hat and sun protection—shade is limited onsite (wanderlog.com).
  • Bring comfortable footwear and water; the site is extensive and coastal winds can be strong.
  • Read up on the Punic history and town planning of Kerkouane in advance for a more enriching experience.
  • Combine your visit with the Nabeul Museum to gain broader regional context.

Sources