El Haouaria Roman Quarries (Ghar El Kebir)
الغار الكبير
Ancient Punic and Roman quarries carved into the sea cliffs at the tip of Cap Bon. Pyramid-shaped caverns let shafts of daylight in, and the stone used to build Carthage came from here.
Gar el-Kebir ('the big cave') lies on the coast about 3 km outside the town of El Haouaria. It is an ancient sandstone quarry from the Punic and Roman periods. Much of the stone used to build Carthage and Kerkouane was shipped out by sea from here. Workers cut downward, creating dozens of connected bell-shaped and pyramid-shaped caves. Openings at the top let shafts of light fall inside, the walls still bear ancient chisel marks, and the cave mouths face the deep blue sea, which makes for a striking view. Bats often roost inside, and legend says there is a rock shaped like a camel. Admission is a few dinars. Opening hours are roughly 09:00-17:00, extended in summer. A visit takes about an hour. It is about 30 km from Kelibia, a 40-minute drive by car or chartered vehicle, and it is often combined with Kerkouane on the same day.
Opening hours
About 9:00–17:00 (extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Djebel Sidi Abiod & El Haouaria Falconry
- Kerkouane
- El Mansourah Beach
- Kelibia Fortress
- Kelibia Fishing Port