Welcome to Kairouan Wall, Kairouan

The Kairouan Wall encircles the historic medina of Kairouan in Tunisia, reflecting centuries of urban defense, heritage, and the evolution of one of North Africa’s oldest Islamic cities.

Historical Context

The city of Kairouan, founded in 670 AD, expanded under Aghlabid rule in the 9th century. Its ramparts, measuring over 3 km in length and reaching 4–8 m in height, enclose the medina and its monuments. These fortifications remain emblematic of early Arab-Islamic urbanism. The Great Mosque, the Mosque of the Three Doors, and the Aghlabid Basins lie within the walls, underscoring the wall’s central role in preserving this heritage. 

Landmarks

• Great Mosque of Kairouan: Founded in 670 AD with its current form dating to the 9th century, featuring a hypostyle hall with hundreds of marble, granite, and porphyry columns—one of the oldest Islamic monumental edifices in North Africa. 
• Mosque of the Three Doors: Established in 866 AD, renowned for its sculpted façade and Kufic inscriptions—the oldest extant carved Islamic facade. 
• Aghlabid Basins: Sophisticated 9th-century water reservoirs that demonstrate advanced hydraulic engineering used to supply water to the city. 
• Zaouia of Sidi Sahib (Mosque of the Barber): A zawiya and mausoleum housing the tomb of Abu Zama’a al-Balawi (654 AD), a companion of the Prophet; extensively renovated in the 17th century. 

Museums

• Raqqada National Museum of Islamic Art

  This museum holds manuscript collections, calligraphy, ceramics, and decorative elements originating from the Great Mosque. It complements the medina's heritage by preserving artifacts of Islamic art and history. 

  Visit Website

  Opening Hours: Approximately 9:00–17:00 daily (may vary seasonally)

  Ticket Price: Around 8 TND (subject to change)

• Kairouan Regional Museum**

  Established to showcase regional archaeological and ethnographic heritage, with exhibits ranging from Islamic artifacts to local traditional crafts. 

  Visit Website

  Opening Hours: Approximately 9:00–16:30, closed on Mondays

  Ticket Price: Around 5 TND

Tips for Visitors

• Walk along the ancient city walls to grasp Kairouan’s historic urban footprint and enjoy panoramic views of the medina.
• Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and take advantage of cooler temperatures for exploring both open-air landmarks and museums.

Sources

• UNESCO World Heritage Centre: data on Kairouan medina, walls, Great Mosque, Three Doors Mosque, Aghlabid Basins and Zaouia of Sidi Sahib (whc.unesco.org)
• Travel.com: Opening info and fees for Great Mosque, Zaouia of Sidi Sahib, Aghlabid Basins, Three Doors Mosque (travel.com)
• Smarthistory.org: architectural and historical details of the Great Mosque (smarthistory.org)