Medina of Tunis

The Medina of Tunis is the historic old city of Tunisia’s capital, a dense urban core of narrow streets, markets, mosques and historic residences. It developed as the city’s commercial, religious and administrative center and preserves a wide array of Islamic-era architecture and urban planning.

Prominent features include the central congregational mosque, labyrinthine souks and a large number of historic houses and palaces with decorative facades and courtyards. The medina’s streets are organized around commercial specializations and traditional craft districts that have operated for centuries.

The medina grew from early Islamic and medieval periods as Tunis became an important regional capital, accumulating religious, civic and commercial buildings over many centuries. Preservation efforts have highlighted its architectural, cultural and historical importance.

Located at the historic core of the modern city of Tunis, the medina sits within the capital and is adjacent to more modern neighborhoods; it is a key cultural and tourist destination in the city.

• UNESCO World Heritage: Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an outstanding example of a living medina with preserved medieval urban fabric and monuments.

What to See #

• Zitouna Mosque: The Great Mosque of Zitouna, the historic congregational mosque around which commercial and civic life in the medina developed for centuries.
• Souks and market quarters: Traditional souk districts that organize the medina's commercial activity into specialist markets and lanes for textiles, leather, metalwork and foodstuffs.
• Palaces and historic houses: Historic palaces and residences that display Andalusian and Ottoman-era domestic architecture woven into the urban fabric.