MAHDIA
200 southeast of Tunisia, Mahdia has been geographically blessed as an important strategic site. Simply due to its location it has been carefully looked after throughout the centuries.
So much importance was given to this little city of 30,000 inhabitants that it was in fact named the capital of the Fatimad dynasty between 921 and 973.
Founded in 916, today it has managed to keep some its charm by developing the now very popular tourist areas on its outskirts. You get to witness some of this history upon entering what can only be described as the old fort. Walk through its streets and or visit what was the original street market, or just simply stroll through the main street, “ Rue Ali Bey” and you will take a step back in time.
There is other options of course, one of which is travel the coast, three of its four sides surrounded by water to take in its incredible beaches and transparent waters, or on Fridays go to the market at the fishing port.
TOURIST GUIDEGRAN MEZQUITABuilt in 921, this was the first mosque built by the Fatima dynasty here. In 1965 it had to be rebuilt due to its destruction by the Spanish in the 16th century. Besides it originally being built as a place of worship upon seeing the building you almost get a feeling of the times since its entrance is more in the ways of a fortress than that of what it was built for. It reflects in its design many of the influences of the day and if you wish to visit but you are not Muslim then you can only do so out with the hours of prayer.
SKIFA EL KAHLAInitially built as the entrance to the city, the design by its pure self was meant to deter, today however it is a marvel to see. Built in the 16th century, a look at the city’s history will reveal that its intentions were not at all bad.
BORJ EL KEBIRThis fort was also constructed in the 16th century. Using its vantage point as the highest peak on the peninsula today it provides a panoramic view of the old town and all around it.
- Opening times: 0900 till 1200 and 1300 till 1600 closed Sunday and public holidays
MUSEO DEL TAPIZ Y MUSEO DE LAS ARTES TRADICIONALESBoth of these museums take you back on a journey through the history of the city. They tell a story of the pastimes, works and traditions of the people of Mahdia. The use of traditional tools and classes on how to use them are also applied to make the visit a more interactive affair.
Besides this in Mahdia, you’ll find in the corner of the Mustafa Hmaza mosque and the Place du Caire, a really interesting Muslim cemetery dating back to the 5th century, stones and tombs surviving today, relics so old, you’ll struggle to find anywhere
