Great Mosque of Kairouan
One of the oldest and most important mosques in Muslim North Africa. Founded by the Arab general Uqba ibn Nafi, it is one of the oldest places of worship in the Islamic world.
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β¨ Historical Significance
Why Great Mosque of Kairouan Matters
Ranked #28 among the world's top 100
UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the holiest cities in Islam and the oldest mosque in the Maghreb.
Built
670
Location
Tunisia
Annual Visitors
500,000
UNESCO
β ID: 499
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π Plan Your Visit to Great Mosque of Kairouan
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Recommended months: April to June, September to November
Temperature
Average: 18β28Β°C (64β82Β°F)
Visit Duration
Recommended: 1β2 hours
Entry Fee
$5β$20 USD (check current rates)
Dress Code
Remove shoes before entering. Women must cover hair with a scarf. Cover arms and legs. Men should avoid shorts. Some mosques provide coverings.
Getting There
Located in Kairouan, Tunisia. Reach Kairouan by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Kairouan center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
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π‘ Travel Tips for Visiting Great Mosque of Kairouan
Visit between prayer times. Most mosques close to tourists during Friday noon prayers.
Women should bring a headscarf. Some mosques provide coverings at the entrance.
Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TND). Carry small bills for entrance fees and donations.
Language: Arabic, French. Learn basic greetings in the local language β locals appreciate the effort.
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site β follow all preservation rules and stay on designated paths.
Best time to visit: April to June, September to November. Visa-free for many nationalities.
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β Frequently Asked Questions about Great Mosque of Kairouan
Everything you need to know before visiting Great Mosque of Kairouan.
1Where is Great Mosque of Kairouan located?
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Great Mosque of Kairouan is located in Kairouan, Tunisia. It is ranked #28 in our Top 100 World Mosques list.
2When was Great Mosque of Kairouan built?
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Great Mosque of Kairouan was built in 670. UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the holiest cities in Islam and the oldest mosque in the Maghreb.
3What is the best time to visit Great Mosque of Kairouan?
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The best time to visit Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia is during April to June, September to November. This is the Spring & Autumn when weather is most comfortable for sightseeing, with average temperatures of 18β28Β°C (64β82Β°F).
4How much does it cost to visit Great Mosque of Kairouan?
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Entry fees for Great Mosque of Kairouan are approximately $5β$20 USD (check current rates). Prices may vary by season and nationality. Check the official website for current rates.
5How long should I spend at Great Mosque of Kairouan?
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Plan to spend 1β2 hours at Great Mosque of Kairouan. Take time to appreciate the architecture and historical significance.
6Is Great Mosque of Kairouan a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
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Yes, Great Mosque of Kairouan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (ID: 499). It has been recognized for its outstanding universal value and is protected under international heritage conservation agreements.
7What should I wear when visiting Great Mosque of Kairouan?
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Remove shoes before entering. Women must cover hair with a scarf. Cover arms and legs. Men should avoid shorts. Some mosques provide coverings.
8How many people visit Great Mosque of Kairouan each year?
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Great Mosque of Kairouan receives approximately 500,000 visitors per year, making it one of the popular mosques in Tunisia.
9How do I get to Great Mosque of Kairouan?
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Located in Kairouan, Tunisia. Reach Kairouan by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Kairouan center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
10Do I need a visa to visit Tunisia?
βΌ
Visa-free for many nationalities. The local currency is Tunisian Dinar (TND). Tunisia is in the UTC+1 timezone.
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πΊοΈ Explore More Sites
β Previous in ranking
#27 Koutoubia Mosque
Marrakech, Morocco
Next in ranking β
#29 Shah Faisal Mosque West Annex Complex
Islamabad, Pakistan
π More in Kairouan
π³οΈ More in Tunisia
π― Nearby Attractions
- β’Mosque of Uqba (Great Mosque of Kairouan detail) (mosques #33)
- β’Mosque of the Three Doors (mosques #90)
- β’Local museums and cultural centers in Kairouan
- β’Traditional markets and local cuisine near Kairouan
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