TuniGoo
The three Capitoline temples of Sbeitla
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 3.0
Ancient sitesKairouan & centre

Sbeitla (Sufetula)

Three Roman temples side by side on a walled forum

Sbeitla, ancient Sufetula, lies on the high steppe of central Tunisia near Kasserine. Its forum is unique: instead of one capitol, three separate temples, probably dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, stand side by side behind a monumental gate named after Emperor Antoninus Pius. The town flourished again in the Byzantine period, when several churches and small forts were built. In 647 an Arab army defeated the Byzantine governor Gregory near here, opening North Africa to Islamic rule. The large site also has baths, a theatre above the river and a small museum.

Highlights

  • Three Capitoline temples
  • Gate of Antoninus Pius
  • Byzantine churches and baptistery
  • Theatre above the river
  • Site museum

Best months to visit

Location

Nearby