Aghlabid Basins
فسقية الأغالبة
A giant polygonal cistern built in the 9th century, about 128 metres in diameter, one of the largest hydraulic works in the medieval Islamic world.
The Aghlabid Basins lie outside the north gate of the old town of Kairouan. They were built in the mid-9th century under the Aghlabid dynasty to store rainwater and mountain flood water brought in from afar for the city. Two connected polygonal basins remain. The smaller one served as a settling pond, while the larger one, about 128 metres across and 5 metres deep, once had a pavilion in its centre where the emir could rest. The tourist office next door has a rooftop view over the whole site and is one of the places where you can buy the Kairouan combined ticket. A visit takes about 30 minutes, and it is about 10 minutes' walk from the old town gate.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00 (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Mosque of the Barber (Zaouia of Sidi Sahab)
- Great Mosque of Kairouan
- Medina of Kairouan
- Bir Barouta
- Mosque of the Three Doors
- Port El Kantaoui
- Catacombs of Sousse
- Sousse Archaeological Museum