Close to Tunis but calm, imposing but still wild, the archaeological site of Oudhna (formerly Uthina) is really worth the detour. Oudhna is, for example, a very interesting excursion if you only stay 2-3 days in Tunis, offering a glimpse of the archaeological wealth of Tunisia.
Oudhna is also an easy ride for those who want to get out of Tunis for an afternoon. The green surroundings are ideal for escape, where the disturbance will only come from a flock of sheep or a flight of lovebirds.
On arriving at the site, two buildings are immediately visible: the Capitol, perched on the hill and the amphitheater, in the immediate vicinity of the car park. However, other indications point to the richness of the site. A walking tour in these grassy meadows makes it easier to see.
The amphitheater
Located above the entrance, the tour logically begins with the amphitheater. Besides, a sign with the sitemap is right next to it.
Elliptical in shape, the central arena is 58m by 35m (slightly larger than a half-football pitch). It is the third largest in Tunisia (after those of El Jem and Carthage) and can theoretically contain 15,000 people.
Like most amphitheatres, it was partly dug in the hill: this technique makes it possible to reduce the tonnage of materials to be moved, while ensuring better solidity in the structure (modern architecture also uses this stratagem: the Stadium from France is also semi-buried). Thus, one reaches the center of the monument by a ramp which descends towards the arena.
Once inside, the state of the monument is striking: one would almost fear the arrival of lions and gladiators!
It must be said that restoration work was undertaken some twenty years ago. Amazing discoveries have taken place, especially in the basement. Several vaulted rooms are since accessible under the arena.
The spans are also easily accessible. At sunset, the light effects are very interesting.
Capitol
It is Oudhna's second major monument. Located on the hill, impossible to miss it!
Archaeologists consider this temple to be one of the largest in Africa. Like the amphitheater, it was recently renovated. The Capitol columns have thus been partially reconstructed, which gives an idea of the size of the building.
Steps provide access to the esplanade, which offers an exceptional view of the entire archaeological site, but also of the Mornag plain, the djebel Ressas to the north and the djebel Zaghouan to the south.
Capitol columns and stairs of the archaeological site of Oudhna
Capitol Columns and Stairs.
One of the assets of the Capitol is the state of conservation of its basements. Indeed, vast rooms are still in place under the esplanade, 2,000 years after their construction! This is the case with the main hall, which is supported by huge arches. Impressive!
Cisterns
On the side of the Capitol, there is a house still occupied today. This house is backed by old cisterns supplying the Capitol and the Baths. The walls of this building are still standing, imposing.
Continuing a little further east, new tanks open up on the ground. There is also a departure from an aqueduct. Indeed, to get water, the inhabitants of Oudhna had developed a water drainage system. It consisted of the capture of 3 sources in the surrounding hills.
Thus, Oudhna was independent for its water supply, despite the nearby presence of the Zaghouan / Carthage aqueduct.
I leave you with photos summarizing Oudhna: an unknown archaeological site and with enormous potential, open to nature and to typically Mediterranean agricultural landscapes.