Place de l'Independance (Independence Square), Tunis

Independence Square marks the point where modern Tunis began to take shape in the late 19th century. Laid out during the French protectorate, the square introduced a new urban language of broad streets, open sightlines, and monumental architecture. Before 1956, the space was known as Residence Square, named for its proximity to the French Embassy and surrounding residential buildings. Following Tunisia’s independence from France, it was renamed Independence Square.

The square is framed by some of Tunis’s most recognizable landmarks. The Cathedral of Saint Vincent de Paul rises prominently on the north side of the square, while the French Embassy occupies the southern side, recalling the area’s former role as a colonial administrative center. On the western side, the long façade of The Arcades forms a continuous row of covered walkways and ground-floor cafés, a classic feature of late-19th-century European urban design adapted to the Tunisian climate.

At the center of the space, stands the statue of Ibn Khaldun, the renowned Tunisian historian and philosopher, sculpted by Zubair al-Turki. Just beside the statue’s base, a marble plaque displays selected quotations associated with his thought, inviting visitors to pause and read. Behind the statue, facing the boulevard, the popular “I Love Tunis” sign adds a contemporary note and is frequently used as a photo backdrop.