Great Mosque Sousse
A historic, fort-like mosque in Sousse's Medina, offering a glimpse into Tunisia's rich Islamic heritage and ancient traditions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peace
Great Mosque Sousse
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic, fort-like mosque in Sousse's Medina, offering a glimpse into Tunisia's rich Islamic heritage and ancient traditions.
"Absolutely amazing mosque ma sha allah. Its over 1000 years old. "
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees. Women may need headscarves. Essential for respectful visits.
⏰ Go Early for Peace
Avoid crowds by visiting in the morning. You might have it to yourself!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fort-like Architecture
Main prayer hall
Admire the robust, fortress-like design, a testament to its historical significance and defensive past.
Ancient Bamboo Mats
Prayer hall floor
Experience traditional prayer mats made from bamboo, offering a glimpse into local heritage.
Serene Ablution Area
Near the mosque
A clean and well-maintained space for ritual washing before prayer, reflecting local traditions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Respectful Attire is Essential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees. Women may need headscarves. Essential for respectful visits.
⏰ Go Early for Peace
Avoid crowds by visiting in the morning. You might have it to yourself!
💰 Entry Fee
Adults 8 TND, kids 2 TND. Paid at a kiosk outside.
🐈 House of Cats
Lots of cats live under the palm tree south of the mosque.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees. Women may need headscarves. Essential for respectful visits.
⏰ Go Early for Peace
Avoid crowds by visiting in the morning. You might have it to yourself!
💰 Entry Fee
Adults 8 TND, kids 2 TND. Paid at a kiosk outside.
🐈 House of Cats
Lots of cats live under the palm tree south of the mosque.
🛍️ Beware of Salespeople
Shops near the mosque can be pushy. Be firm if not interested.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Great Mosque of Sousse for its impressive, fort-like architecture and deep historical significance, offering a glimpse into Tunisia's rich Islamic heritage. The serene atmosphere and traditional bamboo prayer mats are highlighted as unique features. However, some find the main prayer area less visually striking than expected, and the surrounding Medina can be overwhelming due to pushy salespeople.
"One of the biggest mosque in Sousse in Tunisia. Located right in the middle of the Medina market place. It has separate ladies prayers facilities. Nice and clean ablution place. It's located approx 100m east of the mosque. On it's south side, under the palm tree, the house of cats, in fact lots of cats are living there.
The mosque carrying history and culture of Tunisian people. Still no carpet for player place, it has old age style mats made from bamboo. At this age it's bit discomfort specially for European people. However it's stand out local tradition and heritage."
S “TheGenius”
"Not much to see the main square is open but that's it. The history of the mosque is available to read in English. Women dress up and cover their heads as expected in a mosque but unfortunately pushy sales person in shops near the mosque will haunt you until you visit their shop and buy something. Watch out for the sports shop near the mosque.
Kids price is 2 dinar and adult 8 each in a kiosk outside the mosque."
Alicja Blaz
"Absolutely amazing mosque ma sha allah.Its over 1000 years old. There are prayer facilities for women. Historic mosque in Sousse with impressive architecture. Known for its fort-like appearance and significant Islamic heritage. A key cultural site to visit."
Fathima Faiz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Mosque of Sousse is located in the heart of the Medina, making it easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the old city. It's also within walking distance of the Sousse port. Taxis are readily available to take you directly to the Medina entrance.
Yes, it's a prominent landmark right in the middle of the Medina marketplace, often mentioned alongside the Ribat. Its central location makes it hard to miss.
Many hotels in Sousse are located within a short walking distance or a quick taxi ride from the Medina. If your hotel is near the port, it's a convenient walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific hours can vary, it's generally open during daylight hours. For prayer times, it's accessible to worshippers. Visiting early morning is recommended to avoid crowds.
Yes, there is a small entrance fee. Adults typically pay 8 TND and children 2 TND, payable at a kiosk located outside the mosque.
No, advance booking is not usually required. Tickets are purchased on-site at the kiosk.
Yes, non-Muslims are generally welcome to visit the Great Mosque of Sousse outside of prayer times, provided they adhere to the dress code and show respect.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Modest attire is essential. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Women are advised to cover their heads, though this is not always strictly enforced for tourists.
You can admire its unique fort-like architecture, the ancient bamboo prayer mats, and the serene ablution facilities. The history of the mosque is also available to read in English.
Photography is generally permitted in non-prayer areas, but it's always best to be discreet and respectful, especially if prayers are in progress.
Yes, the mosque offers separate prayer facilities for women.
Built in 851 AD during the Aghlabid dynasty, it's one of the oldest mosques in Tunisia and a significant historical landmark, reflecting rich Islamic heritage. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The mosque is located in the bustling Medina, which is filled with souks and local eateries. You can find various food stalls and restaurants offering Tunisian cuisine nearby.
Expect traditional Tunisian dishes, street food, and local snacks. It's a great area to sample authentic flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer soft, beautiful light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the mosque's architecture. The 'blue hour' after sunset can also provide stunning contrast with mosque lighting.
The exterior architecture, especially its fort-like appearance, is very photogenic. The surrounding Medina alleys and the nearby Ribat also offer great photo opportunities.
While generally allowed, be mindful of prayer times and avoid intrusive photography. Always be respectful of worshippers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the mosque itself is a place of quiet contemplation, the surrounding Medina provides plenty of stimulation for younger visitors. Consider a short visit to the mosque followed by exploring the souks for souvenirs or enjoying a local snack. The Ribat of Sousse, located nearby, also offers impressive views and a sense of history that can be engaging for older children.
🕌 Religious Visitors
The mosque's traditional bamboo prayer mats offer a unique tactile experience, connecting visitors to centuries of local tradition. The clean and well-maintained ablution area is also a testament to the mosque's upkeep and its importance to the local community. Remember to dress modestly and respectfully, covering shoulders, knees, and heads (for women) to show reverence.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Architecture
+1The interior, while simple, offers a profound connection to the past. Instead of modern carpets, the prayer hall features traditional bamboo mats, a detail that highlights the mosque's enduring local traditions and heritage. This element, though perhaps less comfortable for some modern visitors, is a cherished aspect of its cultural identity. The mosque also boasts a clean and well-maintained ablution area, essential for the ritual purification before prayer, reflecting the meticulous care given to its facilities.
Located in the heart of the Medina of Sousse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Mosque is an integral part of the city's historical fabric. Its proximity to other significant sites like the Ribat of Sousse further enhances its appeal to history and culture enthusiasts. Exploring the mosque provides a tangible link to Tunisia's rich Islamic heritage and its storied past.
+1Navigating the Medina and Surrounds
It's a fantastic area to explore for souvenirs, perfumes, jewelry, and local crafts. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, as vendors are often eager to engage with visitors. Just a stone's throw away from the Great Mosque is the Ribat of Sousse, an ancient fortress that offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Many visitors combine a visit to the mosque with the Ribat, as they are located very close to each other.
+1 The Ribat also has an entrance fee, and climbing its tower is highly recommended for the breathtaking vistas. While exploring the Medina, be aware of the pushy sales tactics some vendors might employ. It's advisable to be firm but polite if you're not interested in purchasing.
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