
Raqqada Museum of Islamic Art
Discover Tunisia's medieval Islamic heritage in a grand former presidential palace, showcasing centuries of art and history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

Raqqada Museum of Islamic Art
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Tunisia's medieval Islamic heritage in a grand former presidential palace, showcasing centuries of art and history.
"A tribute to the past greatness of Islamic civilization on Tunisia, despite the heat!"

🚗 Hire a Driver or Tour
The museum is remote; a driver or tour ensures easy access and return. Hitchhiking back can be difficult . :car:
🎟️ Check Inclusive Tickets
Often part of a Kairouan ticket, but must be used on the same day. Plan accordingly . :ticket:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Islamic Artifacts
Main Exhibition Halls
Discover a representative collection of artifacts, art, and calligraphy from Tunisia's medieval Islamic era.

Former Presidential Palace Setting
The Museum Building
Explore exhibits within the grand halls of a former presidential residence, offering a unique historical backdrop.

Personalized Curator Tours
Throughout the Museum
Experience a more intimate visit with knowledgeable curators who can share detailed historical insights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Plan Your Transport
Combine Your Visit & Manage Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Hire a Driver or Tour
The museum is remote; a driver or tour ensures easy access and return. Hitchhiking back can be difficult. :car:
🎟️ Check Inclusive Tickets
Often part of a Kairouan ticket, but must be used on the same day. Plan accordingly. :ticket:
💧 Stay Hydrated
The palace is not air-conditioned and gets very hot. Bring water, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
🧐 Engage with Staff
Curators are often knowledgeable and can provide personal tours and historical context. :man_teacher:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Hire a Driver or Tour
The museum is remote; a driver or tour ensures easy access and return. Hitchhiking back can be difficult. :car:
🎟️ Check Inclusive Tickets
Often part of a Kairouan ticket, but must be used on the same day. Plan accordingly. :ticket:
💧 Stay Hydrated
The palace is not air-conditioned and gets very hot. Bring water, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
🧐 Engage with Staff
Curators are often knowledgeable and can provide personal tours and historical context. :man_teacher:
📸 Capture the History
The former presidential palace setting offers a unique backdrop for photos of the artifacts. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Raqqada Museum of Islamic Art to be a fascinating historical site, offering a representative collection of medieval Islamic artifacts within a unique former presidential palace setting. However, the lack of air conditioning and its remote location are significant drawbacks, impacting comfort and accessibility. The condition of facilities also receives mixed reviews.
"Fascinating piece of Islamic and Tunisian history, can be reached by taking a minibus from Qirouan, the curator gave us a personal tour and explained the history of the presidential palace as we went, was really worth the visit."
E A
"Relics of past greatness
The museum itself is very good, including a small, yet representative collection of items from Tunisia in the medieval Islamic era.
The staff were very nice and helpful, but the ex-presidential place was not air-conditioned. This is totally unacceptable because climate control helps preserve manuscripts and pottery and because the weather is usually extremely hot from May to September. What kind of renovation happened there?!!!!
Despite these shortcomings, I definitely recommend visiting this site, a tribute to the past greatness of Islamic civilization on Tunisia."
Wajih Ayed
"First thing, I would only travel out here if you have a driver, your own car or on part of a tour. A taxi was happy to drop me out here but I had to hitchhike on the highway to get back into Monastir. It’s in the middle of nowhere.
Nice little collection of artefacts, art work, calligraphy all displayed in a former palace."
David Maddison
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in a remote area. The most convenient way to visit is by hiring a private driver, joining a tour, or using your own car. Public transport options are limited, and getting back to a main town like Kairouan or Monastir can be challenging. Minibuses from Kairouan are sometimes an option, but confirm availability.
While a taxi might drop you off at the museum, getting a taxi back can be very difficult due to its isolated location. It's advisable to arrange return transport in advance or ensure your driver waits for you.
Yes, it's possible to visit as a day trip from Kairouan. It's often included in an inclusive Kairouan ticket, but you must visit on the same day. Ensure you have reliable transportation arranged for the round trip.
For international tourists, booking a guided tour that includes the Raqqada Museum or arranging a private driver for the day is highly recommended. This ensures a hassle-free experience and covers transportation to and from your accommodation.
Currently, there are no dedicated shuttle services specifically for the Raqqada Museum. Visitors typically rely on private transport, tours, or pre-arranged taxis for access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary. The museum is sometimes part of an inclusive Kairouan ticket, which offers a bundled price for multiple sites. It's best to check current pricing upon arrival or inquire with your tour operator.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Raqqada Museum. Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance. However, if you are part of a tour group, your tickets will likely be handled by the tour operator.
Opening hours can fluctuate seasonally and may differ on public holidays. It's advisable to check the most current operating hours before your visit, especially if you are relying on public transport or have a tight schedule.
Typically, museum tickets are for single entry. If the museum is part of an inclusive Kairouan ticket, ensure you understand the validity period and any restrictions on re-entry.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or children, though this is not always advertised. Inquiring at the ticket counter or checking with local tourism information centers might provide details on potential discounts.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum houses a collection of artifacts, art, and calligraphy from Tunisia's medieval Islamic period. Highlights include items from the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties, showcasing centuries of Islamic civilization in the region.
No, the museum is not air-conditioned. This can make visits uncomfortable, especially during hot months (May-September), and raises concerns about artifact preservation. Plan your visit for cooler times of the day or year.
The collection is relatively small, so a visit typically takes about 1-2 hours. However, if you engage in a personal tour with a curator, you might spend a bit longer absorbing the historical details.
Reviews suggest that the condition of the restrooms can be a concern, with some visitors advising caution. It's advisable to use facilities before or after your visit if possible.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography is often permitted for personal use, but it's best to check for any specific signage or ask museum staff to confirm.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities or cafes directly within the Raqqada Museum of Islamic Art. Visitors should plan to eat before or after their visit in Kairouan or other nearby towns.
The museum is in a remote location, so dining options are scarce nearby. The nearest town with restaurants is Kairouan, which offers traditional Tunisian cuisine.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally not recommended to consume food and drinks inside museum exhibition areas. It's best to enjoy any refreshments outside the museum premises.
Kairouan offers authentic Tunisian dishes, including couscous, tagines, and local pastries. You can find a variety of restaurants serving traditional meals.
Given the remote location, finding designated picnic areas is unlikely. If you plan a picnic, it would be best to find a suitable spot in Kairouan or a more populated area before heading to the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While many museums allow non-flash photography for personal use, it's always best to confirm with museum staff or look for signage indicating restrictions.
The former presidential palace setting itself offers a unique architectural backdrop. Capturing the artifacts within these grand halls can create striking images. The exterior of the palace can also be photogenic.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around historical sites and public buildings in Tunisia. It's advisable to avoid flying drones near the museum to comply with local regulations.
Professional photoshoots usually require special permits and advance arrangements with the museum administration. Casual personal photography is generally more permissible.
The lighting inside the museum can vary. Some areas might have natural light from windows, while others rely on artificial lighting. This can affect the quality of photos, so be prepared to adjust your camera settings.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit