The fact that the cathedral of St. Lous on the hill over Carthage still
stands is rather surprising. It is indeed a monument over some
historical incidents that the present Tunisian state would have all
possible reason to disapprove of.
It
was built in the 1890's on the spot where the French king Louis 9 died
in 1270. He was setting out on a "crusade" where he attempted to
convert the Muslim Hafsid ruler El Mustansir. During the siege of
Tunis, the king died, and was later canonized.
In
the 1930's a grand conference was held here by the French Catholic
Church, that proclaimed the revival of Africa's Christian heritage. It
is said that this conference provoked Habib Bourgiba, and gave strength
to his nationalist feelings.
Today the cathedral is used only for cultural purposes.
Practicalities
HOTELS AND ALTERNATIVES
Quite little in Carthage itself. The hotels you find right here are
rather expensive, and you might like to consider rather staying in La Marsa (5 km) or Tunis (17 km). Among the hotels here, the Résidence Carthage offers best value for money.
RESTAURANTS AND ALTERNATIVES
Beyond the hotels, there are no great places to eat in Carthage. Good alternatives are Sidi Bou Said (2 km) or Goulette (6 km).
NIGHTLIFE
Nothing, except in the hotels. Tunis is your best chance, and even that is not terribly great.
CHANGE MONEY
Do this in Tunis.
TRANSPORT
Use the local train. This is great also for moving around the sites of
Carthage. There are 6 stops along the railway for different parts of
old Carthage.
• Carthage Salammbo and Carthage Byrsa will take you to the Punic port, the Tophet, Hippodrome and the Paleo-Christian Museum.
• Dermech is good for the 1890's Cathedral and the excavations.
• Carthage Hannibal is good for the Antonine Baths, Archeological Garden, Theatre and 'Building with Columns'.
• Carthage Presidential is good for Damous el Karita, the largest ancient church in North Africa.
• Carthage Amilcar is good for Basilica St. Cyprian and Basilica Majorum.
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