The medina of Sfax is located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by high crenellated stone walls built in the middle of the 10th century. Founded in the 9th century by Sultan Ahmed ibn El Aghlaba, this square (one of the few in Tunisia's medieval cities) has managed to avoid global reconstruction and has survived in almost its original form. It seems that the entire old square is separated from the modern and quite developed city by a two-kilometre wall with watchtowers, bastions and forts, in which small cafeterias are located. They offer a beautiful view of the city.
Sfax was constantly subjected to enemy invasions. At the time when it was still a very small town, it was plundered several times by Bedouin tribes, in the 12th century the city was captured by the Sicilians. After that, Sfax was attacked by Catalans, Aragonese and finally the Hafsids, who, after occupying the city in the 13th century, began to gradually restore the buildings, fortress walls and monuments.
The Medina of Sfax is accessed by the Bab Diwan gate with three arches decorated with ligature. On weekends the whole square is bustling with the famous oriental bazaars and markets.
In the middle of the medina is the Grand Mosque, built in the 9th century. The 17th century palace houses the Dar Jellouli Museum of Folk Traditions and Arts, which has an interesting permanent exhibition. Its exhibits include furniture, clothing, household utensils, incense, ancient weapons and valuable manuscripts. On the upper floors of the museum is a collection of women's national dress.
