Cisterns of La Malga - Hnevank monastery, Lori region, Armenia. Taken with Minolta X700
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Cisterns of La Malga

4.4
·135 reviews·Carthage, Tunisia

Colossal Roman cisterns that supplied ancient Carthage with water, showcasing incredible engineering and scale.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Impressive scale, always worth it

CrowdLow
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Cisterns of La Malga - Hnevank monastery, Lori region, Armenia. Taken with Minolta X700

Cisterns of La Malga

Best Time

Anytime

Impressive scale, always worth it

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Colossal Roman cisterns that supplied ancient Carthage with water, showcasing incredible engineering and scale.

4.4
(135 reviews)

"These are probably the most impressive water cisterns I have ever seen. Super impressive!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Explore Inside! 🚶‍♀️

Don't miss the steps leading down into the cisterns; it's the best way to grasp their immensity.

Imagine the Past 🧠

These cisterns were crucial for Carthage's water supply. Let your imagination run wild!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Cisterns

The Grand Cisterns

Main structure

Enormous Roman water reservoirs that supplied ancient Carthage. Truly impressive engineering.

The Aqueduct Connection

The Aqueduct Connection

Adjacent to cisterns

See where the vast Roman aqueduct ended, a testament to ancient ingenuity.

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Planning Your Visit

Don't Rush the Cisterns

Many visitors miss the chance to explore inside the cisterns due to time constraints. Allow ample time to descend the steps and truly appreciate the scale of these Roman marvels. Reddit

Understand the Scale

These cisterns were vital for supplying water to ancient Carthage. Their sheer size is mind-blowing, showcasing incredible Roman engineering. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Impressive scale, always worth it
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Explore Inside! 🚶‍♀️

Don't miss the steps leading down into the cisterns; it's the best way to grasp their immensity. Reddit

Imagine the Past 🧠

These cisterns were crucial for Carthage's water supply. Let your imagination run wild!

Appreciate the Engineering 🏗️

Marvel at the scale of Roman construction and their ability to transport water over vast distances. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

Explore Inside! 🚶‍♀️

Don't miss the steps leading down into the cisterns; it's the best way to grasp their immensity. Reddit

Imagine the Past 🧠

These cisterns were crucial for Carthage's water supply. Let your imagination run wild!

Appreciate the Engineering 🏗️

Marvel at the scale of Roman construction and their ability to transport water over vast distances. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(135 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the sheer scale and engineering marvel of the Cisterns of La Malga, calling them some of the most impressive water cisterns they've ever seen. The ability to explore inside is a highlight, offering a profound sense of history. Some regret not having enough time to fully appreciate the site due to tour schedules.

"What an incredible site! There are steps that actually take you down inside the cisterns, but by the time our group figured that out our tour bus was reloading to leave. Definitely take your time to explore the cisterns."

Lisa Skalecki

"Large site at the end of the Zaghouan aqueduct. The cisterns are huge and show the scale of the work needed to bring fresh water to Carthage.
When you look at it and the distance to Zaghouan, it is mind-blowing"

Dave T

"Visited by accident and couldn't be more appropriated. A vast site that boosts your imagination. These are probably the most impressive water cisterns I have ever seen. Super impressive 👍"

BARTOSZ Radojewski

What People Like

Immense scale
Impressive Roman engineering
Exploring inside

What People Dislike

Limited time on tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cisterns of La Malga are located near Carthage, Tunisia. They are often visited as part of a tour that includes the Carthage archaeological sites. If traveling independently, a taxi or rental car would be the most convenient options. Reddit

Yes, the Cisterns of La Malga are a significant part of the ancient Roman ruins of Carthage and are often included in guided tours of the area. Reddit

From Tunis, you can take a taxi or a ride-sharing service directly to the Cisterns of La Malga. Public transport options might be less direct and require multiple transfers. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Cisterns of La Malga is typically included with admission to the Carthage archaeological sites. It's advisable to check current ticketing information with local authorities or tour operators. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but they generally align with the operating hours of the Carthage archaeological park. It's best to confirm the specific times before your visit. Reddit

While the main site is accessible, exploring the interior of the cisterns via the steps is usually part of the general admission. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the massive Roman cisterns, which were used to store water for ancient Carthage. The scale of the construction is truly awe-inspiring. Reddit+1

Absolutely! There are steps that lead down inside the cisterns, allowing you to experience their immense size and structure firsthand. Reddit

To fully appreciate the site, especially exploring inside, allocate at least 1-2 hours. Rushing can lead to missing key aspects. Reddit

Guided tours are often available for the Carthage area, which usually include the Cisterns of La Malga. These tours can provide valuable historical context. Reddit

These cisterns are a crucial part of the Roman aqueduct system that supplied water to the ancient city of Carthage, demonstrating advanced engineering and urban planning. Reddit+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by ancient civilizations, the Cisterns of La Malga are a must-visit. They offer a tangible connection to the Roman Empire's sophisticated infrastructure and its ability to manage resources for large urban centers. The scale of the project, especially the aqueduct's journey, is a remarkable feat of engineering that will leave you in awe. Reddit+1

Consider hiring a local guide or joining a specialized archaeological tour to gain deeper insights into the historical context, construction techniques, and the daily life of the people who relied on this water system. Understanding the purpose and scale of these cisterns will significantly enrich your appreciation of Roman ingenuity. Reddit

Day-Trippers from Tunis

The Cisterns of La Malga are an excellent addition to a day trip exploring the Carthage ruins. They are relatively close to other major archaeological sites, making it easy to combine them into a single itinerary. Allocate at least 1-2 hours specifically for the cisterns to avoid feeling rushed. Reddit

Plan your transport in advance, whether it's a pre-booked taxi or a rental car, to maximize your time. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon can help avoid the harshest sun and potentially larger tour groups. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Roman Water Engineering Marvels

The Cisterns of La Malga are a breathtaking testament to Roman engineering prowess. These colossal structures were part of an extensive system designed to bring fresh water from Zaghouan, over 60 kilometers away, to the bustling ancient city of Carthage. The sheer scale of the aqueduct and the cisterns highlights the Romans' advanced understanding of hydraulics and their commitment to urban development. Reddit+1

Visitors can descend into the cisterns via steps, offering a unique perspective on their immense volume and construction. Standing within these ancient reservoirs, one can truly grasp the effort and ingenuity required to sustain a large population in antiquity. The well-preserved state of these cisterns makes them one of the most impressive water management sites from the Roman era. Reddit

It's crucial to take your time when visiting. Many travelers report feeling rushed by tour schedules, missing the opportunity to fully explore the interior. Allowing yourself ample time to wander, imagine the past, and appreciate the architectural grandeur will significantly enhance your experience. Reddit

Experiencing the Cisterns: What to Expect

Upon arrival, you'll see the impressive exterior of the cisterns, hinting at the vastness within. The real magic happens when you find the access points with steps leading down. Don't be like those who miss out; make sure to descend and walk around inside. The cool, cavernous spaces offer a stark contrast to the Tunisian sun outside. Reddit

Inside, you'll be struck by the massive stone arches and vaulted ceilings, designed to support the immense weight of the water. Imagine these chambers filled to the brim, a vital lifeline for Carthage. The acoustics can be interesting, and the sheer volume of space is humbling. Reddit

Photography opportunities abound, especially capturing the play of light and shadow within the cisterns. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking and descending stairs. Reddit

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