The Medina of Tunis

★★★ Medina of Tunis (UNESCO World Heritage)

The Medina of Tunis is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Islamic world. Founded in 698 AD under the Aghlabids, it flourished in the 12th–15th centuries under the Hafsids. Covering an area of 270 hectares, it contains over 700 historic monuments: mosques, madrasas (Koranic schools), zaouias (saint shrines), hammams, fondouks (caravanserais), and palaces.

What makes it special: The Medina is alive. Unlike in some Moroccan cities, where the Medina has been turned into a museum, thousands of Tunisians still live and work here. The souks are not tourist traps but real shopping streets for locals — alongside the vendors who, of course, also cater to tourists.

★★★ Ez-Zitouna Mosque (Olive Tree Mosque)

The oldest and most important mosque in Tunis, founded in 732 AD, is the spiritual and geographical center of the Medina. The courtyard with its ancient columns (many from Carthage!) is accessible to non-Muslims — the prayer hall itself is not. The square minaret tower is visible from everywhere in the Medina and serves as a landmark.

Rue Djemaa ez-Zitouna. Courtyard freely accessible (except during prayer). Appropriate clothing required!

★★★ The Souks

The souks of the Medina are organized by crafts — a tradition dating back centuries:

• Souk el-Attarine (perfume merchants) — right next to the mosque, intoxicating scents of jasmine, rose, amber, and oud
• Souk el-Trouk (cloth merchants) — magnificent fabrics and traditional clothing (Jebba, Safsari)
• Souk el-Berka — historically the slave market, today goldsmiths and jewelers
• Souk el-Leffa — wool blankets and carpets from all over the country
• Souk el-Blaghdjia — the famous Tunisian babouche slippers in all colors
• Souk el-Chaouachiyin — the Chéchia makers, the traditional red felt cap has been made here since the 17th century

★★ Dar Ben Abdallah (Folk Museum)

This splendid city palace from the 18th century offers an insight into the life of the wealthy Tunisian upper class. Carved stucco ceilings, painted wooden ceilings, courtyard with marble fountain — and an exhibition on traditional clothing, jewelry, and everyday objects.

Impasse Ben Abdallah. 3 TND. Tue–Sun 9:30–16:30.

★★ Dar el-Haddad

Another beautifully restored palace in the Medina, now a museum for traditional crafts. The tile work and stucco decorations are breathtaking.

★★ Tourbet el-Bey

The most magnificent mausoleum in Tunis — the burial site of the Husseinid dynasty (1705–1957), Tunisia's last rulers. Italian marble, Andalusian tiles, and Ottoman calligraphy combine in an architectural masterpiece.

Rue Tourbet el-Bey. 2 TND. Mon–Sat 9:30–16:30.