Three Doors Mosque, Kairouan 
The Three Doors Mosque around 1900. Public domain.
Facade of the mosque today. Public domain.
Detail of the carved facade with Kufic inscription. Public domain.
Closer detail of the facade. Public domain.
Location map and aerial view of Three Doors Mosque. For a larger interactive view, see our Kairouan Map.
The Mosque of the Three Doors or Three Gates Mosque is another important stop for pilgrims besides the Great Mosque in Kairouan, Tunisia. Its beautiful exterior makes it a worthwhile detour for non-Muslim visitors as well.
History
The mosque was founded in 866 AD by Mohammad bin Kairoun el-Maafri, a holy man from Cordoba, and it became a center for one of the Muslim religious brotherhoods that have dominated Islam in Tunisia.
What to See
The interior is closed to non-Muslims, but the main feature anyway is the elaborate façade with its strong Andalusian influences. The mosque's three arched doorways are topped by intricate friezes of Kufic script, two of which name the mosque's founder, interspersed with floral reliefs and crowned with a carved cornice.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Three Doors Mosque; Mosquee des Trois Portes; Mosque of the Three Doors; Three Gates Mosque |
| Location: | Kairouan, Tunisia |
| Category: | Mosques; World Heritage Sites |
| Faith: | Islam |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 866 AD |
| Patron: | Mohammad bin Kairoun el-Maafri |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 35.677655° N, 10.102975° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Rue de la Mosquée des Trois Portes, Kairouan, Tunisia |
| Hours: | No entry for non-Muslims. |
| Cost: | Free |
Travel Resources for Kairouan
- Kairouan Map - our detailed interactive map of Kairouan, plus hand-picked links to more
- Kairouan Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Kairouan Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Kairouan tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Lonely Planet Tunisia
- Mosque of the Three Doors - Planetware (Baedecker)
Article last updated: 08/16/2009.
