Roman Villas

Welcome to Roman Villas, Tunis Metropole

Explore the Roman Villas district in the Carthage area of Tunis Metropole, Tunisia—a lavish residential zone from antiquity featuring well-preserved mosaics, villa foundations, and scenic Mediterranean views. Located within the archaeological park of Carthage, this site offers a glimpse into ancient Roman life in North Africa.(tunisia-travel-guide.com)

Historical Context

The area comprises the Roman villas of Carthage, including the restored Villa of the Aviary with its colonnaded courtyard and mosaic decorations, dating to the 3rd–4th centuries. Excavations revealed decorative mosaics such as the Mosaic of the Aviary and Mosaic of the Horses, showcasing Roman craftsmanship.

Landmarks

• Villa of the Aviary: A partially restored patrician dwelling with an octagonal fountain, mosaic of birds, and panoramic views over the Gulf of Tunis.
• Mosaic of the Horses: A large Roman-era mosaic relocated within the park, notable for its rich iconography of horses and geometric designs.
• Roman Villas District: The overarching archaeological site with villa foundations, workshops, mosaics, and views of the sea; part of a combined ticket for multiple Carthage attractions.

Museums

• National Bardo Museum

  Housed in a former Beylical palace, it contains one of the world’s largest collections of Roman and Byzantine mosaics, along with artifacts spanning over forty millennia of Tunisian history.

  Visit Website

  Opening Hours: Jun 1–Sep 15: 09:00–17:00; Sep 16–May 30: 09:30–16:30; closed Mondays.(bardomuseum.tn)

  Ticket Price: Non-residents: ~13 TND; residents: ~8 TND; seniors 60+: ~4 TND.(tourscanner.com)

• National Museum of Carthage

  Located on Byrsa Hill, it exhibits Punic, Roman, Christian, Byzantine, and Islamic artifacts discovered in Carthage, including sarcophagi, votive monuments, and glass and stone objects.(tourismcaravan.com)

  Visit Website

  Opening Hours: May 1–Sep 15: 08:00–18:00; Sep 16–Apr 30: 08:30–17:00.(tourismcaravan.com)

  Ticket Price: ~10 TND; free on national/religious holidays and first Sunday of every month.(tourismcaravan.com)

Tips for Visitors

• Purchase the combined Carthage multi-site ticket (~12 TND) to access the Roman Villas district, Antonine Baths, Byrsa Hill, and other attractions.(tunisia-travel-guide.com)
• Visit early in the day to avoid heat and crowds, especially in summer.(tunisia-travel-guide.com)
• Wear comfortable walking shoes—terrain is uneven across the archaeological park.(audiala.com)
• Combine museum visits (Bardo and Carthage) with the archaeological parks for a comprehensive historical experience.(lonelyplanet.com)

Sources

• tunisia-travel-guide.com, The Roman villas of Carthage – site overview and opening times.(tunisia-travel-guide.com)
• asocialnomad.com, Guide to Roman Villa of the Aviary – features and hours.(asocialnomad.com)
• audiala.com, Archaeological Site of Carthage – hours and ticket prices.(audiala.com)
• tourismcaravan.com, National Museum of Carthage – exhibits, hours, ticket.(tourismcaravan.com)
• bardo museum official site, Opening hours and ticket prices.(bardomuseum.tn)
• rehlat.com, National Bardo Museum – timing and adult/student prices.(rehlat.com)