An Ancient Site at the Edge of the World
Just 10 minutes from Diar El Horri, at the extreme tip of Cap Bon, are the El Haouaria Caves (also known as “Latonia”). This spectacular site is not a natural formation, but a massive sandstone quarry exploited since antiquity.
A Quarry for Ancient Cities
These caves were excavated by the Carthaginians and then the Romans for nearly 1000 years. The stone extracted here, a high-quality sandstone, was used to build the most prestigious monuments of Carthage and Tunis.
The extraction was done in a pyramidal fashion: blocks were carved inside the cliff, creating these vast underground halls with impressive geometric shapes, before being brought up through square shafts.
Why Visit Them?
- Mystical Atmosphere: The contrasts of light between the ventilation shafts and the darkness of the caves create an unreal ambiance.
- The Panorama: Located at the foot of the cliffs, the caves offer a direct view of the vast Mediterranean.
- A Falconry Site: El Haouaria is also famous for its ancestral tradition of capturing and training sparrowhawks.
Practical Tips
- Access: 10 minutes by car from Dar Allouch towards El Haouaria.
- Caution: Stay on marked trails and be careful of the cliffs.
- Today: Although interior access is sometimes restricted for security reasons, the exterior site and cliffs remain a magnificent walk.
Discover the strength of ancient builders at the El Haouaria Caves.