The Ancient Theatre of Carthage

Welcome to The Ancient Theatre of Carthage, Tunis Metropole

Discover the evocative ancient Roman theatre located in the heart of Tunis Metropole, Country: Tunisia. A must-stop among the archaeological treasures of the Archaeological Site of Carthage, this landmark invites visitors to immerse themselves in the echoes of ancient performances.

Historical Context

The Ancient Theatre of Carthage dates from Roman times and is part of the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Site of Carthage, which illustrates layers of Punic, Roman, Paleochristian, and Arab civilizations. It was originally used for theatrical performances, poetry readings, and philosophical debates, later falling into disuse and undergoing restorations in the 19th century.

Landmarks

• Ancient Theatre of Carthage: A Roman-era theatre offering silent grandeur and coastal views
• Cisterns of La Malga: Massive underground water storage dating to the 2nd century, once part of Carthage’s aqueduct system
• Roman Amphitheater: An expansive amphitheater that once seated up to 30,000, built on flat ground and part of Carthage’s formidable entertainment complex
• Park of the Roman Villas: Adjacent to the theatre, with remains of wealthy Roman peristyle villas and the restored Villa des Volières offering commanding views

Museums

• Carthage National Museum

  This museum houses Punic, Roman and early Christian artifacts excavated from across Carthage, including mosaics, sarcophagi, jewelry and amphoras. It is located atop Byrsa Hill within the Carthage archaeological zone.

  Visit Website

  Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 08:30 AM – 5:30 PM (closed Mondays)

  Ticket Price: Adults approximately US$5; Students & children under 12 ca. US$2.50

• Bardo National Museum (Tunis)

  Located in nearby Le Bardo, this is Tunisia’s premier museum with over 150,000 objects spanning prehistory to Islamic periods, including the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics from sites like Carthage and Dougga.

  Visit Website

  Opening Hours: Officially open various days; please check site (most common hours are mornings to late afternoon)

  Ticket Price: Typically around 5 Tunisian dinars (~US$1–2) for foreigners; local student rates may differ

Tips for Visitors

• Visit during early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy milder temperatures
• Combine your visit with nearby landmarks like the Cisterns of La Malga and Roman Villas for a full archaeological experience
• Carry local currency (Tunisian dinar) as small purchases or ticket offices may not accept cards

Sources

• UNESCO description of the Archaeological Site of Carthage (whc.unesco.org)
• Historical and restoration information on the Roman Theatre of Carthage (carthagemagazine.com)
• Cisterns and amphitheater details from regional guide (asocialnomad.com)
• Museum data and opening hours from Carthage National Museum (rehlat.co)
• Local visitor ticket price insights (reddit.com)