The water temple
The water temple is located in Zaghouan, a small town in the north of Tunisia. It is the capital of the governorate of the same name. Zaghouan, region with Andalusian ceramics and hanging balconies. It is one of the must-see destinations for visitors. In 2014, the city of Zaghouan had 20,798 inhabitants.
About fifty kilometers from Tunis, the city is located below the northern slope of ‘Djebel zaghouan’. This 1295 meter high mountain is ideal for practicing breathtaking activities: climbing, caving, canyoning, mountain biking…
In spring, the mountain is flowered to perfection. It gives off absolutely stunning aromas of thyme and rosemary. Many varieties of orchids may also surprise many of you. No less than 19 varieties are listed there. Zaghouan and water, a fascinating story over 2000 years old. On the road connecting it to the capital, one can admire the famous arcades of Hnaya ‘the Roman aqueducts‘. These gigantic constructions ordered from the time of the Roman Emperor Hadrian were intended to carry water from the sources of the city of Zaghouan to Carthage in order to supply the cisterns of the Malga. On a visit to the Province of Africa, the Roman Emperor regretted the absence of public baths still called thermal baths, essential elements in the life of every Roman. He had therefore instructed his architects to find a way to drain the water from the nearest source: Zaghouan.
A short stop is essential to visit the Nymphaeum or the Water Temple, which marks the location of the source. This semi-circular collection basin, which is a public fountain, was surrounded by twelve niches which housed the statues of the protective deities: Neptune, goddess of the waters and the Nereids.
A region renowned for its springs (aïns), Zaghouan attracts both Tunisians and tourists with its traditional hammams or hot water baths; a wellness ritual
The landscapes and nature of this agricultural region are splendid, and deserve to linger to visit. Do not hesitate to visit the city center of Zaghouan and look for the many fountains there. Take the opportunity to take a break in a pastry and leave with some delicious ‘kaakwarka’.
In Zaghouan, you can find several places to spend a magnificent stay, with beautiful natural views, good gastronomy and obliging hospitality. There are a number of excellent and comfortable hotels to choose from. Some of these hotels even organize wild boar hunts.
The water temple in Video
Where to Find The water temple
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting
The Water Temple (Nymphaeum) of Zaghouan is a Roman monument built under Emperor Hadrian in the early 2nd century AD at the source springs of the Zaghouan Aqueduct. It served both as a functional water intake structure and as a religious sanctuary dedicated to water deities.
The temple was dedicated to Neptune and the Nereids, sea and water deities, as was typical for Roman nymphaeum architecture. Twelve niches in the semicircular basin are believed to have held statues of water deities.
The temple consists of a large horseshoe-shaped basin fed by natural springs, with a semicircular architectural backdrop of arched niches framed by columns. Many columns have fallen, but the overall form of the sanctuary is clearly legible.
The Water Temple marks the starting point of the Zaghouan Aqueduct, which carried spring water 132 kilometres to Carthage. The springs rising at Zaghouan were chosen for their purity and consistent flow, and the temple consecrated the source as sacred.
Yes, the site is open to the public and is set within a pleasant garden. Zaghouan itself is a mountain town about 60 kilometres southwest of Tunis, easily reached by car. The spring gardens around the temple are a popular picnic destination for Tunisian families.
Yes. Visitors typically start at the Water Temple in Zaghouan, then drive north toward Tunis to see the impressive arched sections of the aqueduct near Mohammedia, making a convenient half-day archaeology excursion from the capital.
