Amphitheatres are typically built for spectator entertainment and performances. The Amphitheatre of El Jem has also been used for other purposes. It was used as a fortress and shelter in the 3rd and 5th centuries, for saltpetre production in the 18th century, and shopping and grain storage in the 19th.
This Roman oval amphitheatre is a one-of-its-kind in Africa and is one of the largest in the world. Built out of stone blocks, it has a seating capacity of 35,000. It is the third amphitheatre on the same site.
When in El Djem, be sure to visit this site, featured in Monty Python’s Life of Brian and the television series Long Way Down. The Nike commercial filmed here was titled “Good vs Evil.” It depicted famous soccer players like Ronaldo fighting against demons. The same could be said of Ali Bey al-Muradi who resisted his brother’s invading armies here during the Revolution of Tunis.
By train: 1 hour 16 minutes, 4.80 DT
By taxi: 53 minutes, 30.02 DT
(210.4 km) via Autoroute A1/Trans-African Highway 1 and Autoroute A1
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Waiting Time
Entrance Fee
Adult: 10 DT
Student: Free
Time you can spend
Weather
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