Kairouan is not a place you simply visit — it’s a place you feel. From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense of calm, depth, and history that’s different from anywhere else in Tunisia. Life here moves at a slower pace. The streets feel older, wiser, and deeply rooted in tradition. Unlike coastal cities, Kairouan doesn’t try to impress you — it quietly reveals itself, step by step.
This city is considered the spiritual capital of Tunisia, and once you walk through its medina, hear the call to prayer echo between ancient walls, and see locals going about their daily routines, you understand why Kairouan leaves such a strong impression.
The History of Kairouan – A City Built on Faith
Kairouan was founded in 670 AD by the Arab general Uqba ibn Nafi, making it one of the earliest Islamic cities in North Africa. Its location was carefully chosen: far from the coast, protected from attacks, and ideal as a base for spreading Islam throughout the region.
For centuries, Kairouan was a center of religious learning, culture, and architecture. Scholars came from across the Islamic world, and the city played a crucial role in shaping Islamic thought in North Africa. At its height, Kairouan rivaled major cities such as Cairo and Baghdad in importance.
Even today, the city holds a special spiritual status. According to local tradition, seven pilgrimages to Kairouan equal one pilgrimage to Mecca. Whether you are religious or not, you can feel how deeply faith and history are woven into daily life here.
Must-See Highlights & Sights in Kairouan
The Great Mosque of Kairouan
The Great Mosque, also known as the Mosque of Uqba, is the heart of Kairouan and one of the most important mosques in the Islamic world. Founded in the 7th century, it is a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture.
The vast courtyard immediately creates a sense of space and serenity. The sturdy minaret, one of the oldest in existence, stands as a symbol of the city itself — strong, simple, and timeless. Inside the prayer hall, hundreds of ancient columns reused from Roman and Byzantine buildings support the roof, giving the space a powerful and historical atmosphere.
Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times, and walking through the mosque feels less like sightseeing and more like stepping into living history.
The Medina of Kairouan (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The medina of Kairouan is where the city truly comes alive. Narrow alleys wind between whitewashed walls, wooden doors, and hidden courtyards. Unlike more tourist-focused medinas, this one feels authentic and lived-in.
Here, daily life continues as it has for generations. You’ll pass small bakeries, metalworkers, spice shops, and carpet sellers. The best way to experience the medina is simply to wander without a plan, allowing the rhythm of the city to guide you.
The Aghlabid Basins
The Aghlabid Basins date back to the 9th century and are an impressive example of medieval engineering. These massive circular reservoirs once supplied the entire city with water, collected through an advanced system of aqueducts.
Today, the basins are quiet and peaceful. Standing here gives you a strong sense of how advanced and well-organized Kairouan once was — and how important water management has always been in this region.
Carpet Workshops and Souks
Kairouan is famous throughout Tunisia for its handwoven carpets, considered among the finest in the country. Visiting a carpet workshop is a fascinating experience. You can watch artisans — often women — working patiently on traditional looms, creating intricate patterns passed down through generations.
Even if you don’t plan to buy a carpet, learning about the symbolism behind the colors and designs adds another layer to understanding the city’s culture.
The Mausoleum of Sidi Sahbi
Also known as the Barber’s Mosque, this beautifully decorated complex is dedicated to one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad. The atmosphere here is calm and respectful, with elegant tilework and a peaceful courtyard.
It’s less busy than the Great Mosque, making it a wonderful place to slow down and reflect.
Food & Drinks – Where to Eat in Kairouan
Favorite Restaurants
• El Brija – Traditional Tunisian dishes, generous portions, and a very local atmosphere.
• Dar Abderrahmane Zarrouk – A beautiful setting with authentic flavors, perfect for a relaxed meal.
• Restaurant Sabra – Simple, affordable, and popular with locals.
Favorite Cafés
• Café El Medina – Ideal for mint tea and people-watching after exploring the medina.
• Café des Arts – A relaxed place to sit, rest, and enjoy the slower pace of the city.
Where to Stay in Kairouan
Recommended Hotels• La Kasbah Hotel – Traditional architecture, close to the medina, and full of character.
• Hotel Continental Kairouan – Comfortable, practical, and well-located.
• Dar Hassine Allani – A charming boutique guesthouse in a beautifully restored traditional home.
Traveling from Hammamet to Kairouan by Louage
Traveling by louage is one of the most authentic ways to get around Tunisia. From Hammamet, you first take a louage to Sousse, and from there another louage to Kairouan.
Louages leave once they are full, so there is no fixed timetable, but departures are frequent. The journey is affordable, efficient, and gives you a glimpse into everyday Tunisian life. Once you arrive at the louage station in Kairouan, taxis are cheap and easy to find for the final short ride into the city.
