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Kairouan was founded in the year 670 AD. The romantic tale has it that the general of the invading Arab forces — Oqba ibn Nafi — found a golden cup in the sands here, a golden cup that he had lost in the holy well of Zamzam in Mecca a few years earlier.
When picking the cup up, water sprang from the ground, which helped to foster Kairouan’s close affinity with Islam.
Kairouan's architecture and heritage
Kairouan is broadly considered the holiest city of Tunisia, being the oldest Islamic settlement, having the oldest mosque in North Africa and the world’s oldest minaret.
The Great Mosque dates back to 670, and although it has been destroyed a couple of times, then rebuilt, today’s structure closely resembles the original mosque.
The oldest parts of the Mosque are without doubt the 414 Roman columns decorating the prayer hall, pillaged from the El Jem region and from as far afield as Carthage. The Great Mosque is of great architectural beauty and an essential component of any visit to Kairouan.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Kairouan by contacting one of our Tunisia specialists
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617-223-4521617-223-4760
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Places near Kairouan
- El Jem 44 miles away
- Thuburbo Majus 52 miles away
- Dougga 71 miles away
- Tunis 78 miles away
- Carthage 83 miles away
- Sidi Bou Said 84 miles away
- Bulla Regia 98 miles away
- Tabarka 116 miles away
- Jerba 138 miles away
- Tamerza 151 miles away
- Tozeur 165 miles away
- Ksar Ghilane 189 miles away
Photos of Kairouan
Accommodation choices for Kairouan
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Kairouan. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![Hotel La Kasbah, Kairouan]()
La Kasbah
Kairouan
