Historic places in Tunis

Historic places in Tunis

1. See

   Bardo Museum

   Le Musée National du Bardo

   Occupying the 13th-century palace of the Ottoman-era bey (ruler) and renowned for its extensive collection of Roman mosaics, although the (huge) collection covers Tunisia's entire existence from the prehistoric era until the Ottoman days. Exhibits from Carthage, Mahdia, Sousse, many from the Roman period in addition to presentations of Arabian culture old and new. It can be mercilessly hot and stifling in the museum, so bring water. The only bathrooms are on the ground floor, and have attendants asking for change. The museum is segregated into old and new, so be sure to walk around a fair amount looking for new passages to be sure you haven't missed any major areas.

   Tue - Sun. Sep 16th - May 30th: 09:30-16:30. Jun 1st - Sep 15th: 09:00-17:00·13 DT

2. See

   Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul

   Cathédrale Saint-Vincent-de-Paul

   Built in 1882, this is the largest surviving building from Tunis' colonial era, in the neo-Romanesque style. It was named after St. Vincent de Paul, a priest in the region who was sold as a slave and fought slavery after he was liberated. The facade is decorated by a golden mosaic of Jesus and two trumpet-playing angels.

3. See

   Dar Ben Abdallah Museum

   Musée du Patrimoine Traditionnel

   A small but interesting folk museum within an 18th-century palace in the medina, covering the everyday life of a rich merchant in the Ottoman era with exhibits including faience, stucco ornament, costumes and furniture.

   Tue-Sun 09:30–16:30·5 DT

4. See

   Grande Mosquée Zitouna

   The largest and oldest mosque in Tunisia and an important landmark, this Aghlabite mosque dates back to the 8th century, although the distinctive square minaret is a much later 19th century addition. It has 160 pillars, that come from the ruins of Carthage. Modest dress essential, but non-Muslims can only enter a viewing platform on the edge of the courtyard (3 DT), not the mosque itself. Still an active mosque, but closed to tourists after the 2011 revolution.

5. See

   Sidi Youssef Dey Mosque

   Mosquée Sidi Youssef Dey

   Opened in 1631, this was the first Ottoman mosque to be built in Tunis. It is the largest Hanafi mosque in the city, was extensively restored in the late 19th century and is now a part of the University of Ez-Zitouna. A historical monument, the Youssef Dey mosque has a beautiful octagonal minaret and white marble mausoleum.

6. See

   Tunis Medina

   Médina de Tunis

   The world heritage listed old town is a must-see colorful, crowded labyrinth of decorated old houses, vaults and street vendors. You can move around by foot only. You get a feel of medieval life.

7. See

   Uthina

   It was an ancient Roman-Berber city. Now it features remains of a fortress, cisterns, an aqueduct, a triumphal arch, a theatre, an amphitheater, a basilica with a circular crypt, and a bridge. Many mosaics are to be found there as well.

   09:00 - 17:00, it closes 2 hr later in summer·7 DT

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Tunis (CC BY-SA 4.0).