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Tunisia

6

Reasons To
Visit Tunisia

  • Arab & Islamic history

    Kairouan is one of the holiest cities in Islam and the Great Mosque in the town's medina is a place of beauty and tranquility. Turkish influence can also be seen in the family homes of the Tunis medina and in the intricate palace buildings of the Bardo Museum.

    Arab & Islamic history

  • Berber Architecture

    The villages in southern Tunisia are home to some ingenious local architecture. The village of Matmata features troglodyte dwellings, where rooms are several metres below ground level, whilst the ksours such as at Tataouine were used for storage, as defensive positions and for habitation.

    Berber Architecture

  • Classical History

    The Carthaginian and Roman ruins in Tunisia often play second fiddle to the superb beaches, which is a great shame. The grand amphitheatre of El Jem and other impressive sites such as Kerkouane, Bulla Regia, Sbeitla and Dougga really are remarkable attractions, fully deserving of a place on your itinerary.

    Classical History

  • Countryside & Nature

    To many visitors from Europe, Tunisia's countryside is surprisingly green, and its Roman sites are an absolute delight in the spring months when the wildflowers are in bloom. The freshwater lakes and salt-flats are stopping-off points for migratory birds and offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching.

    Countryside & Nature

  • Desert

    In the deep south west of the country are the edges of the Sahara Desert, a landscape of dunes, camels and stark mountains and canyons. The desert requires an investment of time and effort to explore, but will reward you with solitude and stunning scenery.

    Desert

  • Medinas

    The medinas of Tunisia are the walled hearts of the towns, where the oldest souqs, mosques, streets and traditional houses are to be found. Their whitewashed walls and ornate doors and windows offer perfect opportunities for the keen photographer, while the shady streets and covered souqs give respite from the North African sun.

    Medinas

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Visit Kairouan, Tunisia

Kairouan is broadly considered the holiest city of Tunisia, being the oldest Islamic settlement, having the oldest mosque in North Africa and the world’s oldest minaret.

Sbeitla
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Kairouan

Tunisia

Kairouan was founded in the year 670 AD. The romantic story has it that the general of the invading Arab forces - Oqba bin Nafi - found a golden cup in the sands here, a golden cup that he had lost in the holy well of Zamzam in Mecca a few years earlier.

When picking the cup up, water sprang from the ground, which helped to foster Kairouan’s close affinity with Islam.

Kairouan's architecture and heritage

Kairouan is broadly considered the holiest city of Tunisia, being the oldest Islamic settlement, having the oldest mosque in North Africa and the world’s oldest minaret.

The Great Mosque dates back to 670, and although it has been destroyed a couple of times, then rebuilt, today’s structure closely resembles the original mosque.

The oldest parts of the Mosque are without doubt the 414 Roman columns decorating the prayer hall, pillaged from the El Jem region and from as far afield as Carthage. The Great Mosque is of great architectural beauty and an essential component of any visit to Kairouan.

Other countries in North Africa & the Middle East:
EgyptIranJordanLebanonLibyaMoroccoOmanSyria

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