The Great Mosque of Sousse – built in the 9th century, the crenellated walls and two watchtowers facing the sea, and the austerity of its architecture/interiors make it feel more like a small fortress than a mosque. Add to it that it has no minaret and that the mosque is located on the (northern) edge rather than in the center as is usual, it is a very unusual mosque.
The Great Mosque of Sousse as viewed from the tower of the nearby Ribat (Aug 2017)
Located on the northern edge of the medina (old town), the crenellated wall and two watchtowers are the first thing you notice as you approach the mosque. (Aug 2017)
A lone potted plant stands in the middle of the large courtyard and is probably the only thing that can be mildly considered as decoration. (Aug 2017)
The mosque is very austere apart from some architectural touches like these arches along the corridor (Aug 2017)
Inside the stone walls, the interiors are cool and quiet. The mihrab seemed a relatively simple affair with the focus light as the only ornamentation. (Aug 2017)
The Great Mosque of Sousse as viewed from the tower of the nearby Ribat (Aug 2017)
Related: Structure
Categories: Architecture, Travel
It does sound like an unusual mosque indeed. But it certainly has stunning architecture and looks so grand. Love your first photo and how it overlooks the sea too – wonderfully captured. It must have its significance being built so close to the water.
Thank you for your comments, Mabel! When you look closer at the details of the structures in this area, the architecture represents such a fusion of Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic cultures.
Beautiful photos of a fascinating destination. Would love to see this in person someday. How easy is it to travel around?
Thank you, Madhu – it was my first time there and there is so much to see for a history buff. Travelling around is a bit of an adventure, but the generous hospitality of the people and their willingness to go out of their way to help out makes it fun and easy.
AMAZING!! ✨🙏
Thank you!
What an amazing structure, beautiful and so impressive.
Thank you .. 🙂
Nice click! Good choice for the challenge.
Thank you!… 🙂