Bardo Museum

★★★ Musée National du Bardo

The Bardo Museum is the most important museum in North Africa and houses the world's largest and most significant collection of Roman mosaics. Housed in a former Beylical palace (13th–19th century), it brings together archaeological treasures from prehistory through Carthage and Rome to the Islamic period.

The Highlights

• Virgil Mosaic (3rd century AD): The museum's masterpiece depicts the Roman poet Virgil, flanked by two muses. One of the few ancient portraits of a real person. 3×3 meters in size, with a level of detail comparable to photographs.
• Neptune Mosaic: A massive floor mosaic from the 2nd century, showing Neptune on his chariot, surrounded by sea creatures. Over 100 m² in size.
• Odysseus Mosaic: Odysseus, bound to the mast, resists the song of the sirens. From Dougga (2nd century AD).
• Punic Collection: Grave goods, terracottas, and steles from Carthage — testimonies of a civilization systematically eradicated by the Romans.
• Islamic Department: Calligraphy, ceramics, and textiles from the Aghlabid and Hafsid periods.
• The palace itself: The interiors with their painted wooden ceilings, stucco work, and tiles are standalone works of art.

Le Bardo (Métro Léger, Bardo Station). 13 TND (approx. 4€). Entry with photo permission: 14 TND. Tue–Sun 9:00–17:00 (summer until 18:00). Closed on Mon. Audioguide available (French, English). Duration: at least 2–3 hours.