The Magon district

The Magon District is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Carthage . It lies along the Mediterranean coast, just south of the famous Antonine Baths . This area was the last piece of land in Carthage to escape urbanization, making its archaeological remains exceptionally valuable . The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Archaeological Site of Carthage .

Excavations have revealed the only visible section of Carthage’s ancient defensive wall . This rampart dates from the late 6th or early 5th century BC. The wall contains massive foundation blocks, some weighing more than 13 tons . Visitors can also see traces of a postern gate next to the first bastion, along with casemates added in the 4th century BC. The site also features remains of Punic period houses from the final phase before the Roman destruction of the city, as well as Roman-era structures built on top of them .

The Magon District : Punic Houses and Urban Planning

The Magon District represents an exceptional example of Carthaginian domestic architecture from the 5th century BC . The district was built on earlier landfills during the rule of the Magonid dynasty . The first dwellings were modest in size and without peristyles. Later, in the 2nd century BC, the area underwent a major redevelopment. Large, richly decorated houses appeared, some exceeding 1,000 square meters in size . Each house had several underground cisterns for water storage.

Architectural features included stucco-covered columns and pilasters, painted stucco walls, and Punic mosaics (pavimenta punica) . Access to the houses was through narrow corridors leading to courtyards surrounded by porticoes. Notably, the streets were not paved and lacked drains. A small museum near the site showcases objects excavated from the artisan houses, offering further insight into daily life in ancient Carthage.

Practical Information

Opening hours: From September 16 to May 31: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. From June 1 to September 15: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. During Ramadan: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Entrance fees: 12 dinars.

Facilities: Restrooms, shop, and cafeteria on site.

Nearby Attractions

The Antonine Baths (a 12-minute walk)

The Roman Theatre

The Malga Cisterns

The Amphitheater

The Circus

The Damous Carita Basilica

The Odéon district