Gafsa - Great Mosque

(Local Name: Grande Mosquée) A short distance southwest of the Roman Pools in Gafsa, through the narrow streets of the rebuilt old town is the Great Mosque (Grande Mosquée), its minaret a prominent landmark. Originally dating from the 14th century, it was rebuilt in the 1960s. The ground-plan, with 19 aisles, each of five bays, is reminiscent of the Sidi Oqba Mosque in Kairouan. The prayer hall has numerous antique columns, blue tile decoration and a beautifully carved minbar (pulpit). From the minaret there are fine views of the town, the oasis and the hills to the north.