Medina of Sousse
Location: Sousse, Tunisia
Year of Inscription: 1988
Criteria: (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;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(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;
Overview: The Medina of Sousse is a historic walled city located in the coastal city of Sousse, Tunisia. The medina was established in the 9th century and has since been occupied by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Ottomans. It is a well-preserved example of Islamic architecture and town planning.
Prominent Features: The Medina of Sousse contains many historic structures, including the Great Mosque of Sousse, which dates back to the 9th century, the Kasbah of Sousse, and the Ribat of Sousse, which is a fortified monastery built in the 8th century. The medina also features narrow, winding streets, traditional markets, and historic homes.
History: The Medina of Sousse was established in the 9th century by the Aghlabid dynasty. It was later occupied by the Romans, Arabs, and Ottomans, each of whom left their mark on the city's architecture and culture.
Fun Fact: The Great Mosque of Sousse was originally built as a fortress, but was later converted into a mosque by the Aghlabid dynasty.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the winding streets and markets of the medina, visit historic structures like the Great Mosque and the Kasbah, and enjoy traditional Tunisian food at local restaurants.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Medina of Sousse, but some historic structures may charge a small fee for entry.
How to Reach It: The Medina of Sousse is located in the coastal city of Sousse, which can be reached by train or bus from other cities in Tunisia. The nearest airport is the Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport, which is located about 20 km away.
From Tunis it can be easily reached by public transport.
Train: The most convenient way to get from Tunis to Sousse is by train. The journey takes about 2 hours and there are several trains per day. The train station in Tunis is called "Gare de Tunis" and in Sousse, it's "Gare de Sousse". The trains are comfortable and affordable, with both first and second class options available.
Bus: There are also buses that run between Tunis and Sousse. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and there are several companies that operate the route. The main bus station in Tunis is called "Bab Saadoun" and in Sousse, it's "Bab El Jedid".
Shared Taxi: Another option is to take a shared taxi or louage from Tunis to Sousse. Louages are small minibusses that operate on fixed routes and leave when they are full. They are faster than buses but can be less comfortable. Louages leave from the "Bab Saadoun" station in Tunis and arrive at the "Bab El Jedid" station in Sousse.
Where to Stay: There are many hotels and resorts located in Sousse, including the Mövenpick Resort & Marine Spa Sousse, the Riadh Palms Hotel, and the Marhaba Palace Hotel.
Next Stop: Dougga / Thugga
Year of Inscription: 1988
Criteria: (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;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(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;
Overview: The Medina of Sousse is a historic walled city located in the coastal city of Sousse, Tunisia. The medina was established in the 9th century and has since been occupied by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Ottomans. It is a well-preserved example of Islamic architecture and town planning.
Prominent Features: The Medina of Sousse contains many historic structures, including the Great Mosque of Sousse, which dates back to the 9th century, the Kasbah of Sousse, and the Ribat of Sousse, which is a fortified monastery built in the 8th century. The medina also features narrow, winding streets, traditional markets, and historic homes.
History: The Medina of Sousse was established in the 9th century by the Aghlabid dynasty. It was later occupied by the Romans, Arabs, and Ottomans, each of whom left their mark on the city's architecture and culture.
Fun Fact: The Great Mosque of Sousse was originally built as a fortress, but was later converted into a mosque by the Aghlabid dynasty.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the winding streets and markets of the medina, visit historic structures like the Great Mosque and the Kasbah, and enjoy traditional Tunisian food at local restaurants.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Medina of Sousse, but some historic structures may charge a small fee for entry.
How to Reach It: The Medina of Sousse is located in the coastal city of Sousse, which can be reached by train or bus from other cities in Tunisia. The nearest airport is the Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport, which is located about 20 km away.
From Tunis it can be easily reached by public transport.
Train: The most convenient way to get from Tunis to Sousse is by train. The journey takes about 2 hours and there are several trains per day. The train station in Tunis is called "Gare de Tunis" and in Sousse, it's "Gare de Sousse". The trains are comfortable and affordable, with both first and second class options available.
Bus: There are also buses that run between Tunis and Sousse. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and there are several companies that operate the route. The main bus station in Tunis is called "Bab Saadoun" and in Sousse, it's "Bab El Jedid".
Shared Taxi: Another option is to take a shared taxi or louage from Tunis to Sousse. Louages are small minibusses that operate on fixed routes and leave when they are full. They are faster than buses but can be less comfortable. Louages leave from the "Bab Saadoun" station in Tunis and arrive at the "Bab El Jedid" station in Sousse.
Where to Stay: There are many hotels and resorts located in Sousse, including the Mövenpick Resort & Marine Spa Sousse, the Riadh Palms Hotel, and the Marhaba Palace Hotel.
Next Stop: Dougga / Thugga