The Tunisian Pompeii
Dougga is located around 125 km southwest of Tunis and around three hours' drive from the beaches on the Gulf of Hammamet.
The ancient city of Dougga (formerly Thugga) is very reminiscent of Pompeii. Because it is without a doubt the most complete and worth seeing Roman archaeological site in Tunisia. It was not without reason that it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
Dougga is very well preserved and at the time of its greatest prosperity (in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD) had no more than 5.000 inhabitants. It is believed that it was once a royal city inhabited by Numidian princes. Most of the magnificent buildings date from the 3rd century. Rich citizens financially supported the construction of the theater, the seats of which held almost 3.500 spectators. The Capitol Temple - dedicated to Juno, Jupiter and Minerva - with its elaborate portico is considered one of the most beautiful in North Africa.
