Bardo National Museum

The Bardo National Museum in Tunis is one of the most prestigious museums in the Mediterranean world, famous for housing the largest and most varied collection of Roman mosaics on Earth. It is situated in a magnificent 15th-century beylical palace, which is itself an architectural marvel featuring intricate ceilings and traditional tilework. The museum's extensive exhibits cover the entire span of Tunisian history, from the prehistoric and Punic eras through the Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. Among its most celebrated masterpieces is the mosaic of the poet Virgil, the only known ancient portrait of him, alongside massive floor works depicting scenes of mythology and daily life. In addition to mosaics, the Bardo displays impressive marble sculptures, gold jewelry, and rare artifacts recovered from shipwrecks and archaeological sites across the country. Following major renovations, the museum now gives a modernized layout that highlights the artistic brilliance of North Africa's past. It stands as a vital cultural landmark, representing the deep historical layers and the diverse civilizations that have shaped modern-day Tunisia throughout three millennia.

Nearby cities

Tunis

The capital and largest city of Tunisia on the Mediterranean Sea.

La Goulette

The main port of Tunis, known for its maritime character and seafood restaurants.

Carthage

A suburb of Tunis, built on the site of the ancient Phoenician city.

Sidi Bou Said

A picturesque village on a cliff near Tunis, famous for its blue and white houses.

Korbous

A picturesque spa town on Cap Bon, famous for its hot sulfur springs that flow directly into the sea.

History & landmarks

Bab Saadoun

One of the historical city gates of Tunis with distinctive triple arches that once guarded access to the medina.

Tunis City Hall

A monumental building in the Kasbah Square that combines traditional Islamic architecture with modern administrative facilities.

Dar Hussein

One of the most magnificent palaces in the medina of Tunis, which served as a residence for princes, governors, and ministers.

Tourbet el Bey

The imposing royal mausoleum in the medina of Tunis houses the richly decorated tombs of the rulers of the Husainid dynasty.

Dar Othman

A historic mansion in the medina of Tunis that captivates with its magnificent black and white marble facade and Andalusian elements.

Bab el Bhar

The 'Gate to the Sea' forms the historical boundary between the medieval medina of Tunis and the modern new town.

Dar Ben Abdallah

This magnificent palace in the medina of Tunis is a masterpiece of late 18th-century Tunisian residential architecture.

Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul

This striking Catholic cathedral in the heart of Tunis combines Gothic, Byzantine, and Moorish architectural elements.

More places

Plains of Tunis

Fertile lowland area surrounding the capital, Tunis.

Medina of Tunis

The historical heart of the Tunisian capital, known for its labyrinth of narrow streets, mosques, and colorful markets.

Al-Zaytuna Mosque

The largest and oldest mosque in the capital Tunis, known for its prayer hall featuring reused Roman columns.

Port of La Goulette

Historically important, this port now mainly serves passenger ferries and cruise ships arriving in Tunis.

Ruins of Carthage

The ancient ruins of one of the Mediterranean's most powerful cities, which fought against Rome in the Punic Wars.

Djebel Bou Kornine

A prominent mountain near the Bay of Tunis.

Djebel Fkirine

A prominent mountain massif near Zaghouan.

Djebel Abderrahmane

A range of hills on the Cap Bon peninsula.