Mus茅e National de Carthage (Carthage National Museum), Tunis
Located atop Byrsa Hill, the Carthage National Museum is one of two primary archaeological museums in the region, the other being the Bardo National Museum. Its origins date back to 1875 when it was founded by Cardinal Charles Martial Lavigerie on the site of a monastery. Originally called the Museum Lavigerie, it was renamed the Carthage National Museum in 1956.
The museum officially opened as a national museum in 1963 and is the result of excavations carried out by European archaeologists, including Alfred Louis Delattre. Notably, excavations in 1975 uncovered a Late Roman house with fragments of Roman mosaics, as well as a large church dating back to the 5th century AD. Plans to create a site museum were initiated in 1983, and it was finally opened a year later.
Visitors to the Carthage National Museum can appreciate the grandeur of Carthage during the Punic and Roman eras. The museum boasts a collection of limestone and marble carvings depicting animals, plants, and even human sculptures. Among its best pieces is a marble sarcophagus of a priest and priestess from the 3rd century BC, discovered in the necropolis of Carthage. The museum also showcases a notable collection of masks and jewelry in cast glass, Roman mosaics, including the famous "Lady of Carthage," and a vast array of Roman amphorae. Additionally, the exhibits feature numerous items from the Byzantine period, as well as ivory objects.
The museum is located near the Cathedral of Saint-Louis, making it a convenient stop for those interested in exploring Carthage's rich history.
Tip:
A ticket bought here allows access to all historic sites in the Carthage area, such as the Roman Theater, the baths, villas, etc. Consider hiring a guide to bring you around and explain the history of Tunisia and the story behind the ancient ruins. Early or late evening is the best time to visit, as there are fewer tour buses then.
The museum officially opened as a national museum in 1963 and is the result of excavations carried out by European archaeologists, including Alfred Louis Delattre. Notably, excavations in 1975 uncovered a Late Roman house with fragments of Roman mosaics, as well as a large church dating back to the 5th century AD. Plans to create a site museum were initiated in 1983, and it was finally opened a year later.
Visitors to the Carthage National Museum can appreciate the grandeur of Carthage during the Punic and Roman eras. The museum boasts a collection of limestone and marble carvings depicting animals, plants, and even human sculptures. Among its best pieces is a marble sarcophagus of a priest and priestess from the 3rd century BC, discovered in the necropolis of Carthage. The museum also showcases a notable collection of masks and jewelry in cast glass, Roman mosaics, including the famous "Lady of Carthage," and a vast array of Roman amphorae. Additionally, the exhibits feature numerous items from the Byzantine period, as well as ivory objects.
The museum is located near the Cathedral of Saint-Louis, making it a convenient stop for those interested in exploring Carthage's rich history.
Tip:
A ticket bought here allows access to all historic sites in the Carthage area, such as the Roman Theater, the baths, villas, etc. Consider hiring a guide to bring you around and explain the history of Tunisia and the story behind the ancient ruins. Early or late evening is the best time to visit, as there are fewer tour buses then.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tunis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Mus茅e National de Carthage (Carthage National Museum) on Map
Sight Name: Mus茅e National de Carthage (Carthage National Museum)
Sight Location: Tunis, Tunisia (See walking tours in Tunis)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tunis, Tunisia (See walking tours in Tunis)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Tunis, Tunisia
Create Your Own Walk in Tunis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tunis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Carthage Walking Tour
Carthage is a modern, upscale seaside suburb of Tunis and a unique place of archaeological and cultural value, situated at the site of an ancient capital of the Carthaginian (Punic) civilization, which fell to Rome in the 2nd century BC.
The settlement was founded by the Phoenicians in the first millennium BC and, after being destroyed by the Romans in the course of three Punic Wars, emerged... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The settlement was founded by the Phoenicians in the first millennium BC and, after being destroyed by the Romans in the course of three Punic Wars, emerged... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tunis Introduction Walking Tour
Tunis is the capital of Tunisia and one of the largest cities in the Arab world. Tunis was a Berber settlement founded on and around the ancient city of Carthage. The settlement of Tunis dates as far back as the 4th century BCE. It became the capital city in 1159.
The city was controlled by numerous empires over the years, which has lent to its interesting art and architecture. With influences... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
The city was controlled by numerous empires over the years, which has lent to its interesting art and architecture. With influences... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
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