The Great Mosque or Olive Mosque is the largest and oldest mosque (built in 732) in the capital and the second in Tunisia after the Kairouan Mosque. There is an ancient legend that says that, on the place where the mosque now stands, a marvellous olive tree once grew, and even earlier there was a Roman forum. The mosque has been rebuilt and expanded many times.
For ritual ablutions in this mosque is used only rainwater, which is collected in special cisterns. The very beautiful dome of the mosque draws attention. The spacious and dark prayer hall of the mosque is decorated with Venetian glass chandeliers. The arches of the hall are supported by magnificent antique columns with carved capitals.
The mosque is surrounded by numerous madrasas. The famous Tunisian educator Ibn Kaldun, who is called "the father of sociology", worked here in the 14th century.
