El Djem (or El Jem) is a town located in Central Eastern Tunisia. El Djem was formerly known as the Roman city of Thysdrus and was one of the most important Roman cities in North Africa after Carthage.
The remains of the Amphitheatre of El Jem are the major attraction for many people who come to the town of El Djem. The Amphitheatre was built in the 3rd century and is one of the biggest Roman amphitheatres in the world with an intended capacity of around 35,000 spectators.
Activities
On your visit to El Jem, you can partake in any of the following activities.
- Visit the El Jem Amphitheatre
- Visit El Jem Museum
- Shop for souvenirs
- Try local dishes
- Photography
When To Visit
El Jem can be visited at any time of the year, but the best period is between September and May when the temperatures are more comfortable for active exploration of the town.
El Jem receives very little amounts of rainfall and the temperatures are always warm. The hottest months are June, July and August where the average temperatures rise above 25 degrees Celcius(77 degrees F).
In July and August, the highest temperatures can reach more than 35oC (95oF).
Getting There.
El Jem is located around 200 kilometres from Tunis - Tunisia's capital city. A drive from Tunis to El Jem would take about 2 hours on the highway.
El Jem is also located less than 80 kilometres from both Sfax and Sousse. This means it can be reached in under an hour.
El Djem is usually visited for a day or as a stopover destination, and the close location with Sfax and Sousse makes it easier to reach El Jem.
Where To Stay
El Djem has a limited number of hotels where visitors can stay. The close proximity to Sfax and Sousse provides a wide range of accommodation options for all visitors.
While your options to stay exactly in El Jem town are not as many, you get much more options in these towns less than 1 hour away. If you intend to spend your nights in El Jem, make sure to book your hotel ahead of time.
