Fort Ghasi Mustapha, entrée
1 / 10

Borj El Kebir Houmt Souk

4.4
·726 reviews·Houmt Souk, Tunisia

A 15th-century fortress on Djerba, Borj El Kebir stands as a symbol of historical defense and strategic importance, offering great views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Fort Ghasi Mustapha, entrée

Borj El Kebir Houmt Souk

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 15th-century fortress on Djerba, Borj El Kebir stands as a symbol of historical defense and strategic importance, offering great views.

4.4
(726 reviews)

"Amazing piece of history, witness to historic battles and an active archaeological site."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Affordable Entry

The entrance fee is very reasonable at 8 dinars, making it a budget-friendly historical exploration.

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Battlements

Don't miss the chance to wander around the battlements for fantastic views and a sense of history.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 726 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

15th Century Fortress Walls

15th Century Fortress Walls

Houmt Souk, Djerba

Explore the imposing walls and towers of this historic fortress, a testament to centuries of strategic importance.

Battlements Views

Battlements Views

Top of the fortress

Enjoy panoramic views of Houmt Souk and the Mediterranean Sea from the ancient battlements.

Active Archaeological Dig

Active Archaeological Dig

Inside the fortress

Witness ongoing archaeological work, offering a glimpse into the site's Roman and Ottoman past.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Consider visiting during the cooler months for a more comfortable exploration of the fortress. Early mornings or late afternoons offer fewer crowds and softer light for photos.

Archaeological Activity

The fortress is an active archaeological site. While this adds to its mystique, access to certain areas might be limited. Check for any ongoing excavations before your visit.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Exploring the Mystical Tomb of Ghazi Peer in Shorkot City! Did you know this ancient tomb holds secrets from the time of Muhammad bin Qasim? Some believe it belongs to a Sufi saint named Ghazi Peer, while history tells us it might be the resting place of Jalal-ud-Din Mehmood Ghazi, the first governor of Shorkot appointed in 714 AD! Shorkot City, one of the five states established by Muhammad bin Q...
@suhail786pk1
6.7K likes • 84.7K views

🎟️ Affordable Entry

The entrance fee is very reasonable at 8 dinars, making it a budget-friendly historical exploration. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Battlements

Don't miss the chance to wander around the battlements for fantastic views and a sense of history. Reddit

Heute zeige ich euch die große Burg, die in Houmt Souk sich befindet! Diese Burg wurde Im Jahr 1284 errichtet. #borjelkebir #houmtsouk #djerba #borj
travel__vagabond
427 likes • 10.2K views
Borj El Ghazi Mustapha Borj El Kebir, also known as Borj El Ghazi Mustapha, is an impressive fortress built in the 15th century on the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Girba, in the north of Houmt Souk, Djerba. Witness to historic battles such as the one in 1560, its walls and towers reflect the island’s strategic role in the Mediterranean. Today, this classified monument hosts a small museum an...
hamdi.nemophilist
15 likes • 212 views

🏛️ Active Dig Site

Be aware that it's an active archaeological site, so some areas might be restricted. Reddit

📸 Capture the Architecture

Admire the architectural masterpiece, especially during a night walk for a different perspective. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Affordable Entry

The entrance fee is very reasonable at 8 dinars, making it a budget-friendly historical exploration. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Battlements

Don't miss the chance to wander around the battlements for fantastic views and a sense of history. Reddit

🏛️ Active Dig Site

Be aware that it's an active archaeological site, so some areas might be restricted. Reddit

📸 Capture the Architecture

Admire the architectural masterpiece, especially during a night walk for a different perspective. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(726 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Borj El Kebir to be an interesting historical site with a reasonable entrance fee, offering great views from its battlements. While some note its smaller size and active archaeological work, it's generally appreciated as a glimpse into Djerba's strategic past.

"This fortress is not big but very interesting and left me with many questions. There were many archeologists actively working on projects inside but little information otherwise. I really enjoyed the views from the battlements and wandering around this historic building. 8 dinar entrance is very reasonable."

Kevin Costello

"Amazing piece of history. The fortress was initially built by the Romans, and later restored by the Ottomans! I wasn’t lucky enough to get inside, however I had a nice night walk around it to admire its architectural masterpiece"

Rawen Ab

"Borj Ghazi Mustapha, also known as Borj El Kebir, is a historic fortress in Houmt Souk, Djerba. Built in the 15th century and reinforced by the Ottomans, it defended the island against numerous invasions and remains a powerful symbol of Djerba’s resilience and strategic importance in the Mediterranean."

Labadi Mongi

What People Like

Interesting history
Great views
Affordable entry

What People Dislike

Small size
Limited information

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Borj El Kebir is located in the north of Houmt Souk, Djerba. It's easily accessible by taxi or a short walk if you're already in the town center. Instagram

Parking can be found in the vicinity of Houmt Souk. It's advisable to look for designated parking areas to avoid any issues. Instagram

Yes, if you are in the central part of Houmt Souk, Borj El Kebir is within walking distance. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, especially as it's an active archaeological site. It's best to check locally or inquire upon arrival. Reddit

The entrance fee is very reasonable, reported to be around 8 dinars, making it an affordable visit. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for Borj El Kebir. Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance. Reddit

Due to its historic nature and uneven terrain, some areas of the fortress might be challenging for those with mobility issues. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the fortress walls, towers, and battlements, enjoying views of the surrounding area. It's also an active archaeological dig site. Reddit+1

While described as a 'little fort' by some visitors, it's an interesting historical structure with significant architectural elements. InstagramReddit

Photography is generally allowed, and the fortress offers many picturesque spots, especially from the battlements. Reddit

Built in the 15th century on Roman ruins and reinforced by the Ottomans, it defended Djerba against invasions and played a strategic role in the Mediterranean. InstagramReddit

Information on guided tours is limited, but you can often find archaeologists working on site who might offer insights. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The battlements offer excellent panoramic views, and the ancient walls themselves provide dramatic backdrops. Consider visiting during golden hour for beautiful light. Reddit

Some visitors have enjoyed night walks around the fortress, appreciating its architectural presence under different lighting. Reddit

You may also like

Borj El Kebir Houmt Souk (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide