Borj Ghazi Mustapha (Borj el-Kebir)
برج غازي مصطفى
A 15th-century seafront fortress at Houmt Souk, expanded by the Ottoman corsair Dragut, and a witness to the 1560 Battle of Djerba.
Also known as the Borj el-Kebir (Great Fort), the fortress was begun under the Hafsid dynasty between the 13th and 15th centuries. In 1560, an Ottoman fleet led by Dragut defeated a coalition led by Spain and its allies here. The victors reportedly stacked the skulls of the dead nearby into a 'tower of skulls', which was not dismantled until the 19th century. A memorial stands on the site today. The fortress is square in plan, with a moat and bastions, and climbing the walls offers views over the harbour and the sea. Admission is about 8 dinars (check locally). It lies about 1 km north of the old town, within walking distance, and is often visited together with the old town and harbour.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:30 (extended hours in summer)
Nearby sights
- Museum of Traditional Heritage of Djerba
- Houmt Souk Medina & Souks
- Djerba
- Ras Rmel (Flamingo Island)
- Djerbahood (Erriadh Street Art Village)
- El Ghriba Synagogue
- Sidi Mahrez Beach
- Fadhloun Mosque