Thermes d'Antonin (Baths of Antoninus), Tunis

The Baths of Antoninus, also called the Baths of Carthage, are the biggest Roman thermae constructed in Africa and one of the three largest in the Roman Empire. They were built during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius between 145 and 162 AD and are the only remaining Thermae of Carthage from the Roman era.

The site suffered from centuries of pillaging, serving as a stone quarry for Tunis and other cities in the northern Mediterranean, leading to the survival of only a part of the basement and some remnants of the ground floor.

The complex was discovered in the early 19th century and was recognized as a historical monument in 1901. Excavations since the end of World War Two led to the creation of an archaeological park, and the magnificent ruins of the Baths basement were first excavated in 1944.

In 1979, following a UNESCO international campaign, the Baths of Antoninus were listed as a World Heritage site and turned into the national park of Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd.

Why You Should Visit:
It is one of the most important landmarks of Tunisia. The magnificent ruins, extending for over 300+ meters, provide an idea of the magnificence of this place in its heyday when the missing vaults rose to a height of more than 29 meters, approximately an eight-story building.

Tip:
If you have some knowledge of Carthage, then visiting independently would be fine; but if you don't, consider getting a tour as there isn't much information around the ruins.