Mahdia - Tunisia's ancient city, famous for its medina and though its walls are not very old, there remain some interesting buildings. The gates Skiff El-Kala - the gates leading to the central Cairo square. They were built by the ruling Fatimid dynasty in the X century, as was the custom in the Middle Ages, facing the mainland. They were built for protection and as a defensive structure and as the gate leading to the palace of the rulers. When the Spaniards, leaving in 1554, destroyed the protective walls, black gate or gates Skiff El-Kala, they did not touch, but they had to be restored. After the gate begins zmeisty winding corridor length of 21 meters.

The gate was built in such a way that the invaders coming from the sea, had little chance to get into town - they had to go to the gate on foot and it was the only way to penetrate into the city. At this time, the soldiers who were on the ramparts, could hit the top part of the army - arrows, boiling water, hot oil. To get to the gate blocked the way enemies sinking six forged iron grates.

If you turn on the stone stairs of the gate opening, then it is possible to climb to the roof of the hall with terraces that offer magnificent views of the city from the surrounding area and always busy port. Also, once a week at the gates Skiff El-Kala unfolds one of the famous bazaars bustling city with small stalls and restaurants. It is possible to buy a variety of goods, including souvenirs depicting the gates themselves.