Chemtou
شمتو
A famous source of yellow marble in the Roman Empire, with ancient quarries, a laborers’ camp, and a museum co-founded by Germany and Tunisia.
Ancient Simitthus, Chemtou was the source of golden Numidian marble (giallo antico), which was shipped to Rome to decorate buildings such as the Pantheon. The site includes a marble mountain cut into terraces, a Roman laborers’ camp, the remains of an ancient bridge over the Medjerda River, and a theater. The on-site museum was established through German-Tunisian cooperation and displays quarrying techniques and excavated artifacts, including a rare hoard of gold coins. It lies about 20 km west of Bulla Regia and is best visited as part of the same trip. Entrance fees vary, so check on site.
Opening hours
About 08:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Bulla Regia
- Dougga
- Ichkeul National Park
- Thuburbo Majus
- Bizerte Old Port
- Zaghouan Water Temple
- Utica
- Bardo National Museum