Kairouan
Old town 2010
Location: Kairouan, Tunisia
Year of Inscription: 1988
Criteria: (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(v)to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Kairouan is an ancient Islamic city located in the north-central region of Tunisia. It was founded in the 7th century and is considered to be the fourth holiest city in Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. The city is known for its many Islamic monuments.
Prominent Features: Kairouan is home to a number of important Islamic monuments, including:
Great Mosque of Kairouan: This mosque was founded in 670 AD and is one of the oldest mosques in North Africa. It is known for its beautiful architecture, which includes a large central courtyard, a domed prayer hall, and a minaret that stands over 30 meters tall.
Bab el-Khoukha: This is one of the city's oldest gates and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum: This mausoleum is dedicated to the companion of the Prophet Muhammad, and is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims.
History: Kairouan was founded in 670 AD by the Arab general Uqba ibn Nafi, and quickly became an important Islamic center. It was an important stop on the trans-Saharan trade route and grew in wealth and influence over the centuries. Kairouan played an important role in the spread of Islam in North Africa and beyond, and its architectural and cultural legacy can still be seen in the city today.
Fun Fact: Kairouan is known for its beautiful carpets, which are made using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations of weavers.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the city's many Islamic monuments and museums, and take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of Kairouan. There are also a number of parks and gardens in the city where children can play and relax.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for most of the monuments in Kairouan, but visitors may be asked to make a small donation. The Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum charges a small admission fee.
How to Reach It: Kairouan is located in the north-central region of Tunisia, about 150 kilometers south of Tunis. The city can be reached by car, bus, or train from Tunis, Sousse, or other cities in the region.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Kairouan, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Some popular choices include the Hotel La Kasbah, the Kasbah Kairouan, and the Hotel Continental.
Next Stop: Medina of Sousse
Year of Inscription: 1988
Criteria: (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(v)to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Kairouan is an ancient Islamic city located in the north-central region of Tunisia. It was founded in the 7th century and is considered to be the fourth holiest city in Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. The city is known for its many Islamic monuments.
Prominent Features: Kairouan is home to a number of important Islamic monuments, including:
Great Mosque of Kairouan: This mosque was founded in 670 AD and is one of the oldest mosques in North Africa. It is known for its beautiful architecture, which includes a large central courtyard, a domed prayer hall, and a minaret that stands over 30 meters tall.
Bab el-Khoukha: This is one of the city's oldest gates and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum: This mausoleum is dedicated to the companion of the Prophet Muhammad, and is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims.
History: Kairouan was founded in 670 AD by the Arab general Uqba ibn Nafi, and quickly became an important Islamic center. It was an important stop on the trans-Saharan trade route and grew in wealth and influence over the centuries. Kairouan played an important role in the spread of Islam in North Africa and beyond, and its architectural and cultural legacy can still be seen in the city today.
Fun Fact: Kairouan is known for its beautiful carpets, which are made using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations of weavers.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the city's many Islamic monuments and museums, and take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of Kairouan. There are also a number of parks and gardens in the city where children can play and relax.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for most of the monuments in Kairouan, but visitors may be asked to make a small donation. The Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum charges a small admission fee.
How to Reach It: Kairouan is located in the north-central region of Tunisia, about 150 kilometers south of Tunis. The city can be reached by car, bus, or train from Tunis, Sousse, or other cities in the region.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Kairouan, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Some popular choices include the Hotel La Kasbah, the Kasbah Kairouan, and the Hotel Continental.
Next Stop: Medina of Sousse
Bir Barouta 2010
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Great Mosque 2010
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