Zaghouan: The Mountain That Breathes History

Type: Cultural & Historic Treasures

Rising gracefully from the northeast plains of Tunisia, Zaghouan is not merely a town — it’s a symphony of stone, spring water, and spirit. Guarded by the sacred Jebel Zaghouan, this mountain city has always been more than a dot on the map; it’s a dialogue between humans and nature that has lasted for over two thousand years.

In Roman times, it was the birthplace of the Aqueduct of Carthage — a 132-kilometer masterpiece that carried pure mountain water to the empire’s African capital. Today, the sound of that same water still echoes through ancient stone channels and lush valleys, as if the past never stopped flowing.

Temple of the Waters: Where Divinity Springs

The Temple des Eaux, perched at the foot of the mountain, is one of Tunisia’s most poetic ruins. Built by the Romans to honor Neptune and the nymphs, this sanctuary channeled the mountain’s springs — the origin of the aqueduct that once sustained Carthage.

“In Zaghouan, water is more than a resource — it’s a prayer whispered through stone.”

The Mountain City of Craft, Faith, and Air

Beyond the ruins, the town of Zaghouan itself rises in graceful tiers of whitewashed homes and terracotta roofs. The air is crisp and filled with the scent of jasmine, wild herbs, and freshly baked semolina bread. Every turn of its medina feels alive — from artisans carving olive wood to elderly men sipping mint tea beneath fig trees.

What to Discover in and Around Zaghouan

• Temple of the Waters — An elegant Roman sanctuary built into the mountain’s veins.
• Jebel Zaghouan National Park — A paradise for hikers and nature lovers, home to eagles and rare flora.
• Dar Zaghouan — An eco-farm blending traditional architecture, local cuisine, and rural hospitality.
• Ancient Aqueduct of Carthage — Trace the Roman engineering marvel that began here.
• Local Hammams and Ziania Shrines — Echoes of ancient purification rituals still alive today.

Whether wandering through Dar Zaghouan’s organic gardens or hiking to the mountain’s summit, visitors are constantly reminded that Zaghouan’s identity is rooted in balance — between water and stone, human and divine, past and present.

The Spirit of Water and the Echo of Empire

The aqueduct’s arches may now stand silent, but their rhythm still lives in the town’s fountains and in the patience of its people. Every drop of water that flows here has touched history — from Roman engineers to Andalusian mystics, each leaving a ripple in the story of Zaghouan’s eternal mountain.

“Zaghouan is where water remembers — and mountains dream.”

Featured Experience: Jebel Zaghouan: Mountain Trek to Roman Water Source

Follow the path of sacred springs and forgotten empires — where Zaghouan’s waters still whisper Rome’s name.

The “Zaghouan Temple & Mountain Heritage Trail” immerses visitors in a landscape where history flows like water. Explore the Roman temple, meet local artisans, and climb to the mountain’s heart — discovering why Zaghouan remains one of Tunisia’s most spiritual and timeless destinations.