✨ Must-See
🏛️ Monument
Trajan's Arch
Monumental arch from 116 AD dedicated to Emperor Trajan. Well preserved.
💡 Tip: 5 DT site pass. Magical photos.
Makthar (ancient Mactaris), a small town in the Upper Tell 160 km south-west of Tunis, is home to one of Tunisia's best-preserved archaeological sites.
Makthar (ancient Mactaris), a small town in the Upper Tell 160 km south-west of Tunis, is home to one of Tunisia's best-preserved archaeological sites. Its Trajan's Arch, forum, the Iulii Mausoleum and Roman theatre bear witness to a prosperous city under the Empire. An authentic and little-frequented archaeological site.
Mactaris was founded during the Numidian era (2nd century BC) before becoming a Roman city. In the 2nd century AD, it flourished thanks to olive oil: a monumental forum, capitol, theatre, baths and mausoleums were built. Trajan's Arch (116 AD) commemorates the emperor's visit.
In the 3rd century, the famous stele of Christian Africa (testimony to the martyrdom of African Christians) was engraved there. In the 4th century, Christian basilicas. Destroyed in the 8th century by Arab conquerors, abandoned. Rediscovered in the 19th century by French archaeologists.
4 must-see sites selected by our local team.
Monumental arch from 116 AD dedicated to Emperor Trajan. Well preserved.
Monumental Roman forum, capitol.
Monumental tomb of a notable family.
Theatre with 5,000 seats.
Journey through the epochs that shaped Makthar.
Monumental arch dedicated to Emperor Trajan. One of Africa's best-preserved Roman arches.
Monumental forum flanked by the capitol, basilicas, temples. Civic centre of a prosperous city thanks to olive oil.
Car: 7 hours.
Car essential.
2-3 hours on site. Can be combined with Sbeïtla on a High Tell circuit.
Our local team designs your ideal Makthar programme. Private car or group seat, the cheapest on the market.