Borj Ghazi Mustapha
(The Spanish Fort))
Borj Ghazi Mustapha in Djerba, also called Borj El Kebir is a fort adjoining the fishing port of Houmt Souk, capital of the island of Djerba.
This defensive structure was built by Roger de Loria, Admiral of Aragon and Sicily in 1289 on the site of a Roman stronghold, the remains of which were reused in the construction of the structure. This was refitted, then reinforced in 1557 by Dragut and frozen in its current configuration by a Spanish garrison of 6,000 soldiers who came, in 1560, to drive out the Turkish corsairs from the island, before being exterminated the same year by the Turkish corsair.
Rectangular in shape, Borj El Ghazi Mustapha is flanked by round and square towers. It was accessed by a drawbridge over a ditch isolating the structure. The entrance door opens onto a vestibule defending access to the inner courtyard which contains the remains of garrisons which have succeeded one another in this enclosure since Antiquity. A room, converted into an antiquarium, houses various objects found on site as well as explanatory panels. The walkways, for their part, offer a superb view of the surroundings and the open sea.
Opening Hours:
From 16/09 to 31/05: 09.30 – 16.30
From 01/06 to 15/09: 08.00 – 19.00
Ramadan hours:
9:00-17:00
Entrance fees
8 TND
Notice:
Closed on Friday
The Spanish fort in pictures
