A masterpiece of Islamic religious architecture

The Great Mosque of Kairouan is the landmark building in Kairouan, Tunisia. The Great Mosque of Kairouan was first built in the 7th century AD. After historical destruction, reconstruction and expansion, it became a large-scale building complex and one of the most magnificent mosques in North Africa. The Grand Mosque is a regular rectangle, surrounded by tall brick walls. The domed three-story minaret used for prayer is built in the middle of the northern wall. On the inward side of the wall, three rows of juxtaposed Roman-style Corinthian stone columns support Islamic-style double curved brick arches, forming a wide and spectacular cloister that surrounds the entire mosque complex. The prayer hall has marble and porphyry Corinthian columns supporting Islamic-style double arches. The Great Mosque is known as a masterpiece of Islamic religious architecture.