Basilica of Damous El Karita, Early Christian basilica ruins in Carthage, Tunisia
The Basilica of Damous El Karita is an early Christian church ruin in Carthage featuring multiple naves separated by columns with decorative capitals. The complex includes underground chambers that were integral to its original religious function.
The complex was built in the fourth century as Carthage transformed into a major center of early Christianity in North Africa. Its construction reflects the rising importance of Christian communities in the region during this period.
This site served as a gathering place where early Christians came to worship and commemorate their faith together. The underground spaces show how people used the location as a sacred destination for spiritual purposes.
The site is located within the Carthage Archaeological Complex and can be accessed through guided tours. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven ground since the structures are ruins.
The name comes from the Latin 'domus caritatis', meaning house of charity, pointing to the site's original role in serving the community's spiritual needs. Two symmetrical vaulted staircases descend into the underground chamber where pilgrims came to pray.
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