When you go to Tunisia, it seems that as soon as you get off the plane you immediately start enjoying your relaxing beach vacation. However, there are not only beaches but also ancient mosques, ruins of fortresses and forts. Coming to Kairouan, one of the most ancient cities in the Maghreb, is like going back in time. It seems that every stone there can tell a fascinating story about the events from way back.

The story absolutely worth listening to is about the Great Mosque of Kairouan which was built in the year of 670! Even though it is hard to think how things were back then, this beautiful and mysterious mosque is still standing! Once you are going inside, wearing long clothes to cover your legs and head to not offend the feelings of believers, you feel that you are in a truly holy place. The architecture, the interior, the people who pray to Allah, and the whole ambiance are impressive.

The mosque is located in the heart of the city. You will definitely find it because of its high minaret, but if you get lost, the locals will be happy to show you the way. The first mosque was built by the General Uqba ibn Nāfi, or Sidi Okba. Since then, it has been rebuilt several times, with new elements added. The first reconstruction took place in the 9^th century and the last one was in the 18^th century. Walk across the whole territory of the mosque, get around all its 10,800 square meters, and you will see an incredible combination of pre-Islamic, Roman, and Byzantine architecture which makes the mosque so special. Nowadays, the Great Mosque of Kairouan is one of the Muslim shrines following Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem.

You cannot enter the prayer area unless you are a Muslim, however, you can take a look into it because the doors are always open. Pay attention to the bright colors of the interior and the fact that everything is colorful: tiles, murals, carpets. And to the latter in particular. They are woven by locals and then given away free to mosques.