The trough building
Arches over rows of stone troughs.
Skander zarrad — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Skander zarrad — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Skander zarrad — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Skander zarrad — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Skander zarrad — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Haidra Archaeological Site is an ancient city in western Tunisia, known as Ammaedara, on an open high plain in Kasserine Governorate. Tall stone arches, standing columns and a huge Byzantine fortress rise from the grass. You will rarely meet a crowd here, as the place lies far from the usual tourist routes. The city began as a camp of the Roman Third Augustan Legion from about 30 BC, then grew into a civilian town after the legion moved west. It stayed inhabited in later ages, and the Byzantines built a large fortress here in the 6th century. The famous Mediterranean mosaic found here was moved to the Bardo Museum in Tunis. You see stone mausoleums, baths, the remains of the Church of Melleus and a large building lined with stone troughs under its arches, whose openings frame the sky and plain beautifully. Beyond them stand the walls and surviving passages of the Byzantine fortress. The ground is uneven and scattered with blocks, so wear comfortable shoes and watch your step. The site is about 56 km in a straight line from Kasserine, about 72 km from Le Kef and about 21 km from Jugurtha's Table, and you need a car. We could not confirm any facilities, so bring water and food. The plain turns green in spring. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to this area, so check official guidance before planning.
Arches over rows of stone troughs.
6th-century walls and passages.
Roman remains on the plain.
Haidra, Kasserine Governorate, Tunisia
The Mediterranean mosaic was moved to the Bardo Museum in Tunis, so do not expect to see it here.
Yes, Jugurtha's Table is close, but check official guidance first.