Kairouan

CountryTunisia
Destination typeUNESCO World Heritage, cultural site

The city of Kairouan is generally regarded as the 4th holiest city in Islam (after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem). The Great Mosque of Kairouan was the first Muslim place of prayer in North Africa and remains an important pilgrimage destination today. Kairouan is also the oldest Muslim city in the Maghreb.

Kairouan was founded in 670 as a military outpost but was resettled in 694 as an important center for Sunni Islamic scholarship and Quranic learning. This religious center served as a pillar for orthodox Islam standing against both non-Muslim infidels and heretical forms of Islam. It was cut off from the surrounding Christian and Jewish populations, which had not yet diminished at that time. Only Muslims were permitted entry inside the city walls until modern times. Kairouan has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

The most important site in Kairouan is the Great Mosque of Okba, which dates to around AD800. There is a large courtyard with pillars surrounding the minaret and prayer area. This mosque may be visited by non-Muslims, but they are prohibited from entering the prayer area.

A visit to Kairouan would not be complete without exploring the UNESCO world heritage site of the Ancient Medina. As you travel here, you will enjoy the narrow streets, colorful shops, and many monuments important to Muslims.

If you are interested in visiting Kairouan, our travel experts are happy to assist you to plan an unforgettable Tunisia tour.

Related

Tour Itineraries

Weekend Getaway in Tunis Tour – 4 Days

The Explore Tunisia tour will take you exploring some of the best highlights of Northern Tunisia and Southern Tunisia in just 8 days! Take a tour through time exploring the ancient history of Carthage and other major archaeological and historical sites. Travel to Southern Tunisia to take a hike through mountain canyons and explore the […]
Featured

Best of Tunisian History Tour – 8 Days

The Explore Tunisia tour will take you exploring some of the best highlights of Northern Tunisia and Southern Tunisia in just 8 days! Take a tour through time exploring the ancient history of Carthage and other major archaeological and historical sites. Travel to Southern Tunisia to take a hike through mountain canyons and explore the […]
Popular!

Star Wars Tunisia Tour – 8 Days

This Star Wars Tour will take you to visit unforgettable Star Wars film locations throughout Tunisia. This includes visiting the Cantina, seeing Obi-Wan Kenobi’s home on Djerba Island, taking a hike in ‘Star Wars Canyon, walking through the streets of Mos Espa, visiting Luke Skywalker’s home, plus more!

Sahara Desert Camel Trek in Tunisia Tour – 9 Days

This ultimate Sahara Desert Camel Trek tour will take you away from the business of life and give you an experience like no other. You will spend 6 days on a camel traveling an average of 20 km a day through the Sahara Desert. You will eat traditional Berber food and sleep in tents under […]

Proceed Booking