Pupput Archaeological Site

The Pupput Archaeological Site lies three kilometers northwest of Hammamet’s medina. Modern tourist development now covers most of this ancient city. Pupput was a neighbor of Neapolis. It had probably been a satellite city. The first mention of Pupput dates to 168 AD. It became a municipality ruled by an elected council. The city gained importance in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. It expanded greatly and acquired many public monuments.

A Byzantine citadel defended the city in the Middle Ages. After the Arab conquest, it became Qasr Zaïd. In 1303, Catalan pirates took and devastated the city. This marked the city’s final decline. Coal miners later settled on its ruins.

Pupput Archaeological Site, necropolis, mosaics, and thermal baths

Archaeologists undertook “rescue excavations” after fortuitous discoveries during earthworks. They uncovered part of the necropolis and a large residential area. This area included houses, a thermal complex, and hydraulic installations. These excavations provided funerary furniture and architectural decoration elements. Notably, they found mosaic pavements that reveal a fine art of living.

Good to Know

Opening Hours: From September 16 to May 31: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. From June 1 to September 15: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. During Ramadan: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Entrance Fee: 5 TND

Remarks: Open all week.

Amenities: Bathroom, Shop, Cafeteria