Rising from the flat olive-growing plains of central Tunisia like a colossal stone crown, the Amphitheatre of El Jem is one of the most awe-inspiring Roman monuments anywhere in the world. Built around 238 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the third-largest Roman amphitheatre ever constructed, after the Colosseum in Rome and the ruined amphitheatre of Capua, with a capacity of roughly 35,000 spectators. What makes El Jem truly extraordinary is its state of preservation: the three-tiered facade of honey-colored sandstone arches stands almost to its original height, and the interior still features intact underground galleries where gladiators and wild animals once waited before emerging into the arena above. Walking through the dim, vaulted passages beneath the arena floor and then stepping out into the blinding sunlight of the arena itself is a visceral experience that brings the spectacle and brutality of Roman entertainment startlingly to life.

The surrounding town of El Jem, though modest in size, adds to the experience with an excellent archaeological museum housed in a reconstructed Roman villa. The museum’s collection of intricate floor mosaics, depicting everything from mythological scenes to daily life, is among the finest in Tunisia. In summer, the amphitheatre hosts the internationally acclaimed El Jem Festival, when symphonic music fills the ancient arena under a canopy of stars, creating one of the most atmospheric concert experiences in the Mediterranean.

Pro tip: Visit the underground galleries first, then climb to the top tier of seating for a panoramic view over the entire amphitheatre and the town beyond. The combination ticket includes the archaeological museum a short walk away, which is worth at least an hour of your time for its spectacular mosaic collection.