The lush lands of this peninsula south of Tunis have been planted with vine grapes, olive trees, and vegetables since Punic times. They represent the focus of the writings of the agronomist Magon. At its northernmost tip lie Haouaria and the underground Roman quarries, which supplied the stone that built Carthage. In its neighborhood is Kerkouane, the remains of a Punic city which remained undisturbed until its discovery in 1952. Excavations revealed a circular urban plan and carefully constructed homes with sophisticated private baths and complex plumbing. The Kerkouane Museumhouses a fine collection of funerary objects, and jewelry.
Stringing Pepers on Cap Bon
Punic House at Kerkaouane
Chemeleon on Cap Bon
The town of Kelibia is an ancient melting pot for Mediterranean people from Spain, Turkey, the Arab lands and Italian Islands, whose shores can be seen on a very clear day. A hilltop fortress, dating from Byzantine times, overlooks a busy fishing port.
The largest Cap Bon settlement is the pleasant town of Nabeul which was settled by Muslim and Jewish Andalusians fleeing the Spanish Inquisition. With them came their knowledge of traditional tile work, pottery, and stone carving, crafts which thrive today.