Baths of Antoninus

Welcome to Baths of Antoninus, Tunis Metropole

The Baths of Antoninus, located within the Archaeological Site of Carthage near Tunis Metropole in Tunisia, are the largest Roman public baths in Africa and a major heritage landmark reflecting ancient engineering and history. Visitors can explore extensive ruins that testify to the grandeur of Roman leisure architecture.

Historical Context

Constructed between approximately 145 and 162 CE under the reign of Antoninus Pius (with planning beginning under Hadrian), these baths stand out due to their elevated design driven by the challenges of coastal clay soil. Hypocausts and service rooms occupy the ground level, while bathing areas were built above, showcasing adaptive Roman engineering. Today the ruins form part of the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Site of Carthage.

Landmarks

• Baths of Antoninus: Expansive Roman thermae with visible hypocaust systems, storage chambers, and column bases offering insight into structural grandeur.
• Asterius Chapel: A 5th–7th century underground Christian funerary chapel now located within the baths park, notable for its mosaics and early Christian architecture.

Museums

• Bardo National Museum

  The largest museum in Tunisia and the second largest in Africa, housed in a former beylical palace, renowned for its vast collection of Roman mosaics, Punic antiquities, Islamic art, and more.

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  Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (June 1–September 15), 9:30 AM–4:30 PM (September 16–May 30); closed Mondays.

  Ticket Price: Approximately 11–13 TND (~USD 4–5) for non-residents, 8 TND for residents, and around 4 TND for seniors 60+; students often free with valid ID.

• Carthage National Museum

  Located near the baths in Carthage, this museum showcases artifacts spanning Punic, Roman, and early Christian periods, including marble, glass, and epigraphic pieces.

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  Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (Sept 16–Apr 30), 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (May 1–Sept 15); closed Mondays.

  Ticket Price: Around 10 TND; free on religious/national holidays and first Sunday of each month.

Tips for Visitors

• Purchase a single ticket to access multiple sites within the Carthage archaeological complex, including the Baths and Carthage Museum.
• Visit early or late in the day for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, particularly at outdoor ruins like the baths.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate uneven terrain.

Sources

• Natasha Sheldon, "Carthage’s Antonine Baths," History and Archaeology Online; architectural and historical analysis.
• Jeremy J. Rossiter, "The ‘neighbourhood baths’ of Roman Carthage" (Actes du colloque, EFR/INP, 2002) – research on Carthage baths context.
• Official Bardo Museum website for opening hours and ticketing.
• Audit and tourism platforms for Carthage Museum hours and pricing.