Don’t miss the underground vaults, once used to hold animals and gladiators, or the upper tiers, offering panoramic views of the arena and the surrounding town.
Travel bucket list idea:
Amphitheatre of El Djem
El Djem, Mahdia Governorate, Tunisia
Last updated: 04 May, 2025
Rising from the flat plains of central Tunisia, El Djem is home to one of the most impressive Roman amphitheatres outside Italy.
Built around 238 CE during the reign of Emperor Gordian, the amphitheatre was constructed to showcase the wealth and prestige of the Roman town of Thysdrus, a prosperous centre of olive oil production. Designed to seat up to 35,000 spectators, it rivalled the Colosseum in Rome with its grand scale and elegant proportions.
The amphitheatre was sadly damaged during the 17th century, when Ottoman forces used its stones to build local structures and breached parts of its walls to root out rebels hiding inside. Today, the structure remains remarkably intact, with towering arcades, underground chambers, and sweeping tiers still in place. You can walk through gladiator tunnels and climb high into the stands for panoramic views.
It’s a haunting, awe-inspiring site – one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Africa.
Also see our round-ups of the best Roman ruins to visit and the world’s must-see ancient ruins.
Don't miss
While you're there
The small, nearby El Djem Museum displays exquisite mosaics and Roman artefacts from the site – it’s well worth a visit.
Logistics
Price from: £1
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The best way to visit El Djem is via car or organised tour from Sousse, Sfax, or Tunis, all of which offer good road connections. Organised day trips are widely available from coastal resorts. They’ll organise all of your transportation, and will include an expert guide who’ll offer valuable insights into the site’s history and architecture.
Once there, the amphitheatre is easily explored on foot, with clear pathways and open access to upper levels and underground chambers. If you’re going independently, local guides can be hired at the entrance, offering detailed tours for a modest fee.
Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes – shade is limited, and much of the site is exposed.
When to do it
The best time to visit El Djem, Tunisia is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April/May) or autumn (October/early November). These months offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the famous amphitheatre and other historical sites. Summer (July/August) can be sweltering, with temperatures reaching 35°C or higher.
It won’t surprise you to know that it’s best to go either early morning or late afternoon/early evening, when the heat is less intense, especially during the summer months. It’s also the best time for photography, with the golden light highlighting the structure.
Who to go with: organised tours
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Tunis
From your Hotel to the city of Kairouan, the fourth holy city of Islam and the spiritual capital of Tunisia. You will visit the great mosque which is the oldest religious building in the Muslim West. Afterwards you will have free time in the medina of Kairouan. Then El Djem the ancient city of Thysdrus, one of the most prosperous in Roman Africa for the visit of its amphitheater and end the excursion with Monastir, the ancient Punic and then Roman city of Ruspina.
Min age 0
Rating 4.81 / 5 [297 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Sousse
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Min age 0
Rating 4.74 / 5 [164 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Tunis
Founded in 670, Kairouan thrived under the Aghlabid dynasty in the 9th century. Although the political capital was relocated to Tunis in the 12th century, it remained the most important holy city in the Maghreb. Its rich architectural heritage includes notable sites such as the Great Mosque, which features marble and porphyry columns. Additionally, the ancient El Djem, known as Thysdrus, was one of the most prosperous cities in Roman Africa and is famous for its impressive amphitheater.
During this tour, you will visit two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites in one full day:
1. **Kairouan**: Explore the fourth holiest Islamic city. Discover its Aghlabid Basins, the Great Mosque of Okba, and the Mosque of the Three Doors. You'll have time for independent exploration and shopping.
2. **Thysdrus**: Enjoy a guided tour of the amphitheater, one of the largest in the world, and visit its archaeological museum.
You will also savor local delicacies during a typical culinary experience.
Min age 0
Rating 4.61 / 5 [55 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Sousse
It is one of the most impressive and best preserved historical sites in Tunisia. The amphitheater of El JEM is the third largest Roman amphitheater in the world.
Moreover, this excursion offers a unique experience by allowing travelers to discover the history of the Roman Empire in Tunisia while enjoying a half-day excursion from Sousse.
Travelers will also have the opportunity to visit the El JEM Museum to learn about the history of the area and the amphitheater.
In summary, this excursion is unique because of the beauty and historical significance of the Amphitheater of El JEM, as well as the opportunity for travelers to experience Roman culture in Tunisia. Plus, it's ideal for travelers with a busy schedule as it only takes half a day, allowing the rest of the day to be spent exploring other sights in the area.
Min age 0
Rating 4.97 / 5 [49 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Tunis
Kairouan, the 4th holiest city in the Islamic world. The visit starts from the 9Th century Aghlabid basins with an introduction to the foundation of Kairouan and its glorious ages. Moving to the grand mosque, the oldest in North Africa, then the nearby Sidi Sahbi with an introduction to some Tunisian traditions. End the visit with a walk through the medina and its exotic charm. Visit of El Jem (Thysdrus) Roman amphitheater, the third biggest & the best-preserved one in the Roman world. Terminate with the visit of the famous Museum of El Jem.
Min age 0
Rating 4.73 / 5 [38 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
