Al-Zaytuna Mosque, Major mosque in Medina district, Tunisia
Al-Zaytuna Mosque is a large place of worship in the Medina of Tunis with nine entrances and a wide courtyard. The prayer hall is supported by 160 ancient columns made of marble and granite that come from different Roman ruins.
Hassan ibn al-Nu'man founded the mosque at the end of the 7th century, shortly after the Arab conquest of the region. Ruler Abul Ibrahim had the building completely rebuilt and expanded in the 9th century.
The name Zaytuna means olive and refers to an olive tree that supposedly stood on this site when the city was conquered. Scholars studied theology, law and grammar for centuries in the rooms surrounding the large courtyard.
Visitors who are not Muslim may enter the central courtyard and look into the prayer hall from there. The remaining areas are reserved for prayer and remain closed to tourists.
The prayer niche points in the wrong direction because the builders in the 9th century made an incorrect calculation. This mistake was never corrected and remained throughout the centuries.
Location: Tunis
Inception: 698
Founders: Hassan ibn al-Nu'man
GPS coordinates: 36.79722,10.17111
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:23
Tunis offers a journey through thousands of years of history, from the narrow lanes of its ancient medina to the grand ruins of Carthage. Walk through the medina and you'll find yourself surrounded by centuries-old mosques and palaces, with souks where vendors still sell spices, textiles, and crafts much as they did generations ago. The Bardo Museum holds one of the world's greatest collections of Roman mosaics, giving you a direct window into how people lived two thousand years ago. Beyond the old city, Avenue Habib Bourguiba showcases the colonial architecture that shaped the city in more recent times, while the hilltop village of Sidi Bou Saïd charms visitors with its whitewashed houses and blue-painted doors. The port of La Goulette, once a fortress and trading hub, remains the working heart of Tunisia's maritime life. Together, these places tell the story of a capital that has been shaped by Phoenicians, Romans, Ottomans, and the people who call it home today.
Khaldounia
53 m
Madrasa of Ech Chamaiya
103 m
Souk El Attarine
49 m
Hammouda Pacha Mosque
126 m
Madrasa Slimania
95 m
Madrasa of El Bachia
78 m
Mausoleum of Sidi Ben Arous
61 m
Madrasa of Ennakhla
64 m
Souk El Fekka
70 m
Tourbet Aziza Othmana
101 m
Mosque of El Hafsia
135 m
Souk El Blaghgia
77 m
Mosque of El Hentati
139 m
Funduk El Attarine
98 m
Madrasa of Asfouria
53 m
Madrasa of Hamzia
53 m
Bab Souk El Kmach
88 m
Midhat al Sultan
54 m
Madrasa of Al Habibia Al Kubra
63 m
Zaouia of Sidi Klai
95 m
Souk Ed Dziria
130 m
Dar Belhassen
136 m
Souk El Kouafi
124 m
Souk El Bchamakiya
124 m
Tourba El Bacha
92 m
Mourad Bey Mausoleum
113 m
Marabout de Sidi Louklaï
95 m
National Library of Tunisia
90 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes