Ain Tounga

Southwest of Testour, just off GP 5, is Ain Tounga, with the remains of Roman Thignica, situated at the foot of Djebel Laouej (466m/1,529ft). The Roman town lay on the important road from Carthage to Sicca Veneria (Le Kef). Higher up, dominating the road, is a sixth century Byzantine fortress built of stone taken from earlier Roman buildings. Trapezoid in shape, with five square corner towers, it is one of the best preserved Byzantine fortresses in Tunisia.

Beyond the citadel, on the slopes of the hill, are the remains of the ancient town, which was granted the status of municipium by Severus Alexander in the third century. Among the features that can readily be identified are stretches of the town walls, a small triumphal arch, the remains of a temple of Mercury and of baths, a number of dwelling-houses and a small temple of Caelestis (the Roman name for the Punic goddess Tanit). Lower down is a small amphitheater.