One of the legends on the prayer hall of the Great Mosque says that anyone trying to count its columns will become blind. The columns were of Roman and Byzantine origin, and brough here from as far away as Carthage and Hadrumetum (Sousse). None two are said to have the same shape and size. It must have been with great awe that the Muslims of the early centuries of North African Islam entered this vast hall, some 70 times 40 metres. Unfortunately, the hall is closed for non-Muslim visitors, but usually, some of the doors are open. The impressive 19th century allows limited views, but you will be able to see the mihrab, which is noted for being framed by 130 faience tiles imported from Baghdad in the 9th century. By the way, the number of columns is 414.
