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Ksar Ouled Soltane, Tunisia : Travel Guide

The two courtyards of Ksar Ouled Soltane offers some of the finest and best preserved examples of ancient ksars in Tunisia. The ghurfas (each single tube room that together constitute the ksar) are placed on top of a hill top, and the exterior is in near perfect condition. Even the interior of the ksar is impressive, and there is little here that is make-believe. A few parts of the ksar is still in use, but the most important function today is served by the new cafe.

Right after you enter from the modern (and tiny) village of Ksar Ouled Soltane, one of the best views of any ksar appears. the shapes of the light brown ghurfas at this point resemble a pile of fresh bread.

First Courtyard

The first courtyard is the smallest, but it also is the most artistic with its winding and steep staircases. The smallness of the courtyard makes it more intimate.

The Big Courtyard

It must have been a great place for markets - but only early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

There is little here that will protect anyone from the strong sun of Sahara, but it is all arranged for good control over grains and other foodstuffs. The ghurfas must have been easy to organize and divide between families, so there would not be any quarrels over what belongs to who.

Those days are gone, and people need no longer to use ghurfas to protect their food against villains and foreign tribes - but it is not too long ago. Even now, some people make use of the ghurfas for their good qualities to protect food.

But the main use in the large courtyard rests with the man who runs the slightly primive café.

Easy to Defend

The outer walls of the ksar is near perfect, and is shaped in an ciruclar shape. It actually does not look as impressive from the outside, as it does from the interior. To the left is the far newer mosque, which belongs to the modern village of Ksar Ouled Soltane.