Situation
Leaving behind the Avenue Habib Bourguiba and the colonial district, enter the medina through the door of France, or Bab el Bahr. In this labyrinth of souks and mosques, leave the main streets and tourist traps to find an Orient dream. Songs of the muezzin, the princely tombs with sumptuous stucco and ceramic, Hammam and auction sales in the vaulted passages ... The medina of Tunis, with that of Fez in Morocco, is one of the most breathtaking medinas in the Maghreb. The amazing architecture is combining Andalusian, Turkish and European influences.
Buildings
The medina of Tunis is one of the most beautiful and richest old cities in the Islamic world. At the center, you find the Great Mosque, also known as Jemaa Zitouna Mosque of the Olive Tree and home of treasures. The court is open to visitors every day except Friday.
Souks
Tunis has at least a dozen souks. Divided by corporation, the souks are organized around the Great Mosque. Perfumes, wool, fabrics, goldsmiths, and fez: luxury goods are closer to the mosque. When you are away, you will find the souks of slippers, copper, dyers ...
Architecture
Between the twelfth and the sixteenth century, Tunis experienced a tremendous growth. The High Society of Tunis built sumptuous palaces called Dar. The Dars are of great elegance and most careful interior decoration. Dar Othman, which was the home of Othman Bey, has a beautiful facade and a pleasant patio. The Minister Youssef Sahib El Tabaa owned Dar Hussein. Its decoration is worth seeing …the glance of Kallaline tiles on the walls, capitals of neocorinthien style, stucco ... Dar Ben Abdallah now houses the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions.
