In the heart of one of the most beautiful medinas of Tunisia: the Medina of Tunis

When flying to Tunisia, it is impossible not to include the Medina of Tunis on the list of sites to see. Founded in 698 and classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1979, here are some of the must-see sites that this historic heart of Tunis jealously guards.

The Torbet El Bey Museum, a must-see during a trip to Tunisia

If you are interested in the history of Tunisian royalty, then this museum is one of the sites not to be missed during your trip to Tunisia . This is the mausoleum of the princes of the Husseinite dynasty and their families. They ruled the country between 1705 and 1957. The necropolis was built in the middle of the 18th century.

To see it, head towards the southwestern part of the medina.

The Madrasa Slimania

Built in 1754, this medersa houses today a cultural center. It was built by Ali I Pasha to pay tribute to Suleiman, his son. Within its walls, calm reigns and one takes pleasure in strolling through it to discover the history of the building or to admire the works of art exhibited there.

You can’t miss it after a visit to the Zitouna mosque as it is located right next door.

Dar Ben Abdallah Theater

It hosts plays, but not only. At times, it also serves as a painting workshop, a cinema and even a café. Like most of the buildings in the medina, the calm reigns supreme.

After visiting the surrounding souks and other sites, sitting on the patio for a moment will revitalize you for the rest of the day. Find out about opening hours before you go.

The Hassan Zmerli Cultural Center

It is today a classic cultural center, but it is worth the detour. For good reason, the premises have successively housed a Catholic church during the 19th century (the church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Tunis) before being transformed into a mosque when Tunisia obtained its independence. Each of these religions has shaped it in their own way and this is precisely what makes this building so rich.

El Kobba Mosque

It is not as big as the Zitouna mosque, but it is a place to see. The inhabitants call it the Mesjed, because it only hosts the five prayers of the day. Friday prayers are not held there.

This small mosque was built during the 11th century.

The workshop of a Safsari weaver

The Safsari is a traditional cotton, silk or satin veil that Tunisian women used to wear and that today’s generations are gradually abandoning. Despite this, a craftsman in the medina of Tunis continues to produce them according to ancestral techniques. Each Safsari is handmade and the weaver welcomes those who want to discover this art.

In addition to these unknown places of the medina of Tunis, you will discover others, more known as the mosque of the Casbah, the door Bab Jedid, the souk el-Attarine, the Dar el-Bey, the Souk el-Blat with its stores of medicinal herbs..