Restoration of Bab Bhar Church in Gabès to Begin in 2026
The Director General of the National Heritage Institute (INP), Tarek Baccouche, announced that the restoration and maintenance work on the Bab Bhar Church monument in Gabès will commence in 2026, following its acquisition by the Institute. This announcement was made during a meeting at the Gabès Governorate headquarters, attended by the Governor and several regional officials and cadres.
The church previously housed the Gabès Regional Library before being neglected and closed in 2007 due to its age.
History of the Church
In a statement to the TAP agency, Regional Heritage Inspector for the South Coast, Yassine Lekhal, indicated that the construction of the Gabès church dates back to around 1870 and was named "Church of Saint Mary". He noted the existence of marriage contracts concluded in this church from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, specifying that the monument has been protected since January 2024 with a 400-meter buffer zone.
Archaeological Sites in Gabès
The Gabès Governorate is home to numerous archaeological sites and monuments, including the Mouradite school, the Mareth military line, the Limas Roman line, and the sites of Oued Akarit, Zarat, and Chott El Rkhamah.
Future Interventions
The meeting between the Governor of Gabès and the Director General of the INP also discussed sites where the Institute could intervene, including traditional markets like the henna market, as well as mountain villages and castles that require urgent maintenance and preservation interventions.
