The ruins of Dugga in Tunisia

The ancient city of Dougga (Dougga or Thugga) is a Roman ruin that is located in the north of Tunisia and occupies an area of 65 hectares. It is definitely worth visiting this place during your vacation in the country. In terms of the number of attractions and entertainment, an excursion to the ruins of Duggi can compete with many well-known tours on Tunisia. In particular, with Carthage, as many tourists say. And in terms of the number of temples, of which only ruins remain, Dugga surpasses any city in North Africa, there are 11 of them. Since 1997, this landmark has been included in the UNESCO World List of Protected Sites and is one of the most significant in Tunisia.

Let's go back a few centuries to understand what Dugga is. Firstly, Dugga means "pasture" in translation. It was originally a Berber settlement, but in the II century BC it was captured by the Romans. Having survived the Byzantine Empire, Dugga was invaded by vandals.

Now in this ancient city, located just an hour and a half drive from the capital of Tunisia, there are unique monuments of architecture and history. Such as the Temple of Saturn, Temple of Jupiter, Temple of Mineva, Capitolium, Amphitheatre, Triumphal arch Septimius Severus, baths of Cyclops (Cyclops Baths) and Licinian Baths, brothel (House of Trifoium) and much more. Everyone should be told at least a few words.

One of the majestic buildings in Dougga is the Capitol. It was built in 167 AD and is still well preserved. At one time, the ancient Romans came to this temple to pay homage to such important gods for the people as Jupiter, Juno and Minevra. High, carved columns, walls that rise 10 meters high, wide steps and the most powerful energy that can be felt in the air – this is all it, the Capitol.

Let them not be as majestic as the previous temple, but the Temples of Saturn, Jupiter, Minerva, Juno are no less beautiful. In the temple of Juno, built in the II century AD, the columns are still preserved in their original form. And in the temple of Saturn, unfortunately, only the base and 6 columns have been preserved. But once the temple was an important religious center for the Romans.

But the Amphitheater in Dugga is well preserved. Despite the fact that it was built as early as 168 BC, music festivals are still taking place here, thanks to the amazing acoustics.

The triumphal arch of Septimius Severus, the first African emperor, complements the architectural ensemble. The arch was installed as a memorial sign when Dugga was granted the status of a city in 205 with the right to independently resolve issues of local importance.

A public toilet in the shape of a horseshoe, located in the thermal baths of Cyclops, is also of interest. These are the baths of the Roman nobility, which got such an unusual name because of the mosaic fresco found, which depicts three cyclopes. The public toilet is the best preserved. Once the locals came here with their brushes, which were wetted in the water circulating on the floor at their feet.

Not far from the Capitol there is also a city bathhouse – baths of Licinius, which is also of considerable interest to tourists. The main hall, mosaic floor, columns and access to the terrace, where the nobility once enjoyed panoramic views.

In addition to bathing, the Roman nobility loved to have fun in a brothel (House of Trifoium), the ruins of which are also preserved.

🚶 How to get there: by intercity bus, coach or taxi from the city of Tunis to Teboursouk, then to Dougie by taxi. Much more often tourists go to the Arc with an excursion that can be found on almost any the resort of Tunisia (about $ 45).

🕐 Working hours: daily, from 15.09. to 30.04. – 8.30-17.00; from 01.05. to 16.09. – 8.00-19.00.

Entrance fee /tickets price: 7 dinars (see Tunisian currency, exchange rate)