Al-Zaytuna Mosque
جامع الزيتونة
Tunis's oldest mosque and Islamic seminary, at the heart of the Medina in the old city; non-Muslims can climb to the arcades and visit the courtyard.
The Zitouna Mosque was founded in the 8th century, and its main structure was built in the 9th century under the Aghlabid dynasty. Its prayer hall is supported by 184 Roman columns taken from the ruins of Carthage, and its affiliated Zitouna University is one of the earliest institutions of learning in the Islamic world. Non-Muslims are generally allowed into the courtyard arcades only during morning opening hours (about 8:00–12:00, closed on Fridays), with a small entrance fee, modest clothing covering arms and legs, and women must cover their hair. It sits at the end of the Medina's main street, about a 10-minute walk from Bab el-Bahr.
Opening hours
Non-Muslims about 08:00–12:00 (closed Fridays)
Nearby sights
- Medina of Tunis
- Dar Ben Abdallah
- Tourbet el Bey
- Sidi Mahrez Mosque
- Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul
- Avenue Habib Bourguiba
- Belvédère Park
- Bardo National Museum