Tourbet el Bey

Welcome to Tourbet el Bey, Tunis Metropole

Discover Tourbet el Bey, the grand royal mausoleum of the Husainid dynasty located in the heart of the Medina of Tunis Metropole, Tunisia. Recently restored and reopened, it stands as a solemn and artistically rich landmark.

Historical Context

Constructed in the late 18th century under the reign of Ali Bey II (1759–1782), Tourbet el Bey serves as the final resting place for thirteen Husainid beys, numerous princes, princesses, and high-ranking officials. Featuring Italianate and Ottoman architectural styles, its eight domed funerary chambers are arranged around two marble-paved courtyards and richly adorned with polychrome marble, ceramic tiles, and intricate stucco decorations.

Landmarks

• Tourbet el Bey: Majestic royal mausoleum with richly decorated domes and burial chambers of the Husainid dynasty.
• Dar Ben Abdallah: Nearby 18th-century palace transformed into a museum of Tunisian popular arts and traditions.
• El Koubba Mosque: Small 11th-century mosque located on Tourbet el Bey street, where the historian Ibn Khaldun studied.
• Grande Mosquée Zitouna: The oldest and largest mosque in Tunisia, richly historic, located within walking distance in the Medina.

Museums

• Dar Ben Abdallah Museum

  A traditional arts and daily life museum set in a historical palace, showcasing Tunisian noble life through exhibitions of textiles, ceramics, and household items.

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  Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Mondays and public holidays.

  Ticket Price: Approximately 10 TND for adults; reduced rates for students and seniors; children under 12 free.

• Bardo National Museum

  One of the world’s foremost museums of Roman mosaics and archaeological artifacts, covering Tunisia’s Punic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic heritage in a majestic setting.

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  Opening Hours: From June 1 to September 15: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; from September 16 to May 30: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM; closed Mondays.

  Ticket Price: Non-residents approximately 11–13 TND; residents around 8 TND; seniors (60+) about 4 TND; discounts for students; children under 12 often free.

Tips for Visitors

• Check current opening hours before visiting—local museums sometimes close on holidays or Mondays.
• Visit early to avoid crowds and enjoy the architectural details in peaceful surroundings.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking through uneven historic alleys and flooring.
• Photography is generally allowed but request permission for sensitive or sacred areas.

Sources

• Tourbet el Bey architecture and reopening details — AMVPPC / Patrimoine de Tunisie and Tunisia Tourism sources (patrimoinedetunisie.com.tn)
• Dar Ben Abdallah museum hours and pricing — visitor guide (audiala.com)
• Bardo Museum hours and ticket details — official site and travel guides (bardomuseum.tn)