Church of Sainte-Croix of Tunis, Roman Catholic church in Medina, Tunisia
The Church of Sainte-Croix is a neoclassical church building situated in the historic Medina quarter of Tunis. The structure stands as part of the old city's architectural fabric, accessible through the narrow winding streets typical of the district.
The church was built in 1837, representing the first Christian chapel to appear in Tunis since Christian communities vanished in the 11th century. This return of Christian presence in the city marked a significant turning point after many centuries of absence.
The building now houses a center for crafts and applied arts, showing how religious spaces find new purposes in modern times. You can see artisans and visitors engaging with traditional techniques and creative practices throughout the rooms.
The church is reached through narrow alleyways that lead to Rue de la Commission, requiring patience as you navigate the winding paths. The finest views of the building and surrounding area are found from nearby rooftops scattered throughout the Medina.
The building was constructed without external religious symbols and was later decorated with sixty statues representing saints from France, Sicily, and Malta. This unusual decoration reveals the city's diverse connections across the Mediterranean world.
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