 Located on the west of Tunisia, Haidra was founded by the Romans. Originally known as Ammaedara, the city was built on the land bordering the valleys and the Berber tribes. It is one of the oldest cities and features ruined structures of basilicas, mausoleums and Byzantine fortress. The town of Thala with numerous colonial houses is also a beautiful place to visit.
Arch of Septimius Severus
Arch of Septimius Severus in Haidra dates back to 195 A.D. and lies to the north-west of the Basilica of Candidus. It became a part of the Byzantine fortress and thus has been well preserved. The evidences of the decumanus on which it stands can be viewed on the inner side of the arch. There are also remains of a theater and a mausoleum. The mausoleum which is two-story has a square base supporting a structure which looks like a temple with its corner having Corinthian pilasters.
Basilica of Candidus
Basilica of Candidus in Haidra is a Christian Basilica which is also known as the Martyrs’ Basilica. It is a three-aisled Basilica which was built over a burial-ground. Lying towards the south of the decumanus, the Basilica supposedly encloses some 34 martyrs. The outer walls were enhanced with an additional inner wall in opus africanum. The pavements of this church which featured beautiful mosaics can be found displayed in the Bardo Museum in Tunis.
Basilica of Melleus
The Basilica of Melleus in Haidra which dates back to late 4th century owes its name from Bishop Melleus, whose tomb was found during the excavations. The Basilica which is situated towards the north of fortress of Haidra is the largest and the main church of Ammaedara.
Building of the Troughs/ Edifice à Auges
Edifice à Auges also known as the Building of the Troughs lies to the north-west of the theater in Haidra. The ground floor of the building features a basilica and the troughs. The troughs were supposedly a place for storing food materials or else a posting station. To the north side of the building is there is a Vandal basilica which measures 21m by 9m. It is a three-aisled basilica.
Byzantine Fortress
The Byzantine Fortress in Haidra was built during the reign of Justinian. The relics of the fortress can be found on the south side of the road through Haidra. The base of the fort was parallelogram in shape with four towers on the west side and one on the east side. The fortress features a chapel and also the remains of the building, the Edifice à Fenêtres. Along the north side of the fortress ran a road from Carthage to Theveste and on the southern side of the fort was a bridge over the river with road connecting to Thala and Thelepte. However, the bridge was destroyed by a heavy flood, the north side of the fort also saw some renovations in 1840.
Thala
Thala in Haidra is the picturesque town located at an altitude of more than 3,000 ft. There are numerous colonial houses which are in their good conditions in Thala. On the eastern side of the town you will find hills covered with trees which are extremely beautiful. Even in the summers it enjoys the mild winter climate. |