Nº01
Great Mosque of Kairouan
Also known as the Mosque of Uqba (جامع عقبة بن نافع), one of the largest Islamic monuments in North Africa and a major pilgrimage site.
Kairouan Governorate
Holy city, home of Tunisia's carpet craft and Great Mosque
580K pop.6 712 km²153 km from TunisNearest airport: Enfidha–Hammamet (60 km)
At the heart of Tunisia, Kairouan is one of Islam's four holy cities and the first Arab capital of the Maghreb. Its UNESCO-listed medina, the Great Mosque founded in 670 and the Aghlabid Basins make it a major spiritual and architectural hub. The alleys are lined with carpet-weaving workshops — a craft that has made Kairouan famous well beyond Tunisia.
What It's Known For
The signatures that make Kairouan unmistakable
Nº02
Traditional cuisine
Vegetarian kafteji and date-stuffed makroudh — two culinary icons you'll find at every corner of the medina.
Nº03
Aghlabid Basins
9th-century hydraulic reservoirs built by the Aghlabids to supply the city with water — an engineering feat of its time.
Nº04
Carpet capital
Hand-weaving of the famous Kairouanese carpet, with techniques passed down from mother to daughter.
Must-See Landmarks
Explore the treasures that make Kairouan unforgettable
Nº01
Medina of Kairouan
UNESCO-listed medina (1988) of narrow alleys, souks and over 200 mosques and zaouias.
Nº02
Great Mosque (Mosque of Uqba)
Founded in 670, the architectural model copied throughout the Maghreb. Non-Muslims may access the inner courtyard.
Sat–Thu 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (closed Fridays)10 TND (combined medina ticket)
Nº03
Aghlabid Basins
Two large circular 9th-century reservoirs fed by a 36 km aqueduct — an Aghlabid hydraulic masterpiece.
Nº04
Mosque of the Barber – Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum
Shrine of Abu Zama'a al-Balawi, companion of the Prophet. Courtyards covered in zellige and carved stucco.
Local flavors
Local Specialties
Traditional dishes you must try
01Local flavors
Kafteji
Fried mix of peppers, courgettes, pumpkin, potatoes and eggs, chopped and served with harissa.
02Local flavors
Makroudh
Semolina pastry stuffed with date paste, fried and soaked in honey — Kairouan's signature sweet.
03Local flavors
Kairouan special bread
Dense bread flavoured with sesame and nigella seeds, perfect with harissa and tuna.
Where to eat
Recommended Restaurants
From fine dining to local favorites
€€
Top recommended
Saraya El Bay
Historic mansion turned restaurant, refined Tunisian cuisine in a heritage setting.
Must-try:Lamb couscous
€€
Editor's pick
Dar Lella Habiba
Family home in the medina serving home-style cooking with warm hospitality.
Must-try:Mloukhia
€
Editor's pick
Chez Mamie
Popular spot for lunchtime kafteji and Tunisian sandwiches.
Must-try:Kafteji
€€
Local favorite
El Abbassia
Traditional restaurant near the Great Mosque, ideal after a visit.
Must-try:Tagine and brik
€€€
Local favorite
La Kasbah Hotel Restaurant
In-house restaurant of La Kasbah hotel, set in a 17th-century kasbah.
Must-try:Refined Mediterranean cuisine
Getting Around
How to reach the governorate and move around once there
Reaching the governorate
From Tunis
Bus
2 h · 15 – 18 TNDRegular SNTRI buses, around 2 hours.
Car
2 hA1 to Sousse then P2; around 2 hours.
Once you're there