In Mahdia, visitors can relax on the pristine beaches, explore the historic medina, and visit the Borj el Kebir fortress, which offers stunning views of the coastline.
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Borj el Kebir: Ottoman Fort
Overview: Borj el Kebir, also known as the Kasbah of Mahdia, is a magnificent fortress built at the end of the 16th century on the site of a former Fatimid palace…Read More
Location: Borj el Kebir is located in the center of Mahdia, a historic coastal city in northeastern Tunisia. The fort stands tall, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the tip of the Cap Mahdia promontory.
How to Get There: Mahdia is easily accessible from major cities in Tunisia, such as Tunis, Sousse, and Sfax. Visitors can reach Borj el Kebir by car or public transportation. Once in Mahdia, the fort is within walking distance from the city center.
What Can See: From the terraced walkway of Borj el Kebir, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Cap Mahdia promontory and the ancient harbor basin, which some experts believe dates back to the Punic period. The fort’s impressive architecture, with its thick walls, arched passages, and courtyard, offers a glimpse into Tunisia’s rich history.
What Can Do: Visitors can explore the interior of the fort, including the preserved oratory, and learn about its fascinating history. The fort’s terrace provides an excellent vantage point for taking in the stunning coastal scenery of Mahdia.
Conclusion: Borj el Kebir is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Tunisian history and architecture. Its strategic location and impressive Ottoman-era design make it a significant landmark in Mahdia and a testament to the city’s rich past.
Great Mosque of Mahdiya
Overview: The Great Mosque of Mahdiya, also known as the Fatimid Mosque, is a stunning religious structure built in 916 AD during the reign of the Fatimid Caliph Ubayd Allah al-Mahdi…Read More
Location: The Great Mosque of Mahdiya is located on a rocky outcrop in the heart of Mahdia, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It stands as a testament to the city’s rich Islamic heritage.
How to Get There: Visitors can easily reach the Great Mosque of Mahdiya on foot from the city center or by taking a short drive from nearby attractions. The mosque is well-signposted and easily accessible.
What Can See: The mosque’s exterior features a striking facade with horseshoe arch outlets on two floors, separated by a molding. The lower part of the arches is flat, while the upper part is semicircular. The entrance gallery, with its pointed horseshoe arch, is a highlight of the mosque’s architecture.
What Can Do: Visitors can explore the mosque’s interior, which underwent renovations in the 1960s, and admire its unique architectural features. The terrace offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding coastline.
Conclusion: The Great Mosque of Mahdiya is a significant example of early Islamic architecture in North Africa. Its distinctive features and commanding location make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Mahdia’s rich cultural heritage.
Skifa Kahla
Overview: Skifa Kahla, also known as Bab Zuweila, is a massive fortified gate dating back to the 10th century…Read More
Location: Skifa Kahla is located in the center of Mahdia’s old town, near the intersection of several important streets and the weekly market.
How to Get There: Visitors can easily reach Skifa Kahla on foot from the city center or by taking a short walk from nearby attractions. The gate is well-signposted and easily accessible.
What Can See: The most striking feature of Skifa Kahla is its imposing 18-meter-tall bastion, which dominates the surrounding area. The arched vestibule, with its unique architectural design, is another highlight of the gate.
What Can Do: Visitors can explore the interior of the gate and learn about its history as a defensive structure and a market. The gate’s location in the heart of Mahdia’s old town makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the city’s charming streets and markets.
Conclusion: Skifa Kahla is a significant historical landmark that offers a glimpse into Mahdia’s past. Its strategic location and impressive architecture make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the city’s cultural heritage.