Medina of Sousse
Sousse, Tunisia
The Medina of Sousse is a postcard-perfect example of a fortified town from the early days of Islam, with a 9th-century Great Mosque, crenellated ramparts, and imposing kasbah and ribat fortresses. As the call to prayer drifts through the streets and cats doze against bright doorways, it’s not hard to see why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The basics
Many travelers base in Sousse for sun, sea, and sand, and to explore the medina independently, but you can also visit on a day trip from Tunis or nearby Monastir. Traveling with a guide who knows the history and culture will enrich the experience: Hear about the people who built and lived in the kasbah and ribat, learn how the Great Mosque evolved from a fortress, discover the Bou Ftata Mosque, and visit the Sousse Archaeological Museum (Museo Arqueológico De Susa).
Things to know before you go
The Medina of Sousse is a great choice for people-watchers, photographers, social media mavens, and history buffs.
If you’re planning to buy high-value souvenirs, such as carpets in the souks, research prices and indicators of quality thoroughly online. As always, come prepared to bargain.
With patience and persistence, the Medina of Sousse need not be off-limits to wheelchair users as there’s at least partial access to most historic attractions. However, unless you explore with a guide, you’ll likely find yourself re-routing to avoid steps and cobbles.
How to get there
The Medina of Sousse is behind the waterfront in the heart of Sousse, less than a 10-minute walk southeast of the train station: The main entrance is at Place des Martyrs. If you’re staying in coastal hotels you can try your luck with the city’s yellow minibuses, but many travelers find joining a tour or booking a taxi is easier. Self-drivers can usually park at the Sousse Archaeological Museum.
When to get there
Many thousands of people still live in the Medina of Sousse, so it never really closes, but visiting during daylight hours is best if you want to tour the historic attractions. Try to avoid Friday afternoons when mosques close and some stallholders shut up shop for the most important prayers of the week.
How the Aghlabid dynasty shaped Sousse
Between AD 800 and 909, the Aghlabid dynasty ruled what is today Tunisia and eastern Algeria, with their capital in Kairouan: The majestic Great Mosque of Kairouan owes its shape to their talent for architecture. Control of the sea was key to their power—they conquered Sicily, Malta, and parts of mainland Italy—and Sousse’s rugged ramparts, as well as the ribat and the kasbah, testify to their mastery in both war and building.
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