Monastir Travel Guide

Hotels Ribat Monastir
The Ribat of Monastir, a fortress, was the first of its kind that has been built on the North-African coastline. Buildingworks started at the end of the 8th century and lasted until the 10th, but afterwards the Ribat suffered several times due to warfare and had to be restored and extended The Ribat in Monastir has been erected on top of the foundations of a byzantine monastery, which is said to have given its name to the town. It features a nador (watchtower), which is not only the oldest part of the fortress, but also accessible and offers views over the whole town. The fortress has been used as a background setting for the movies "Monthy Pythons -The life of Brian" and "Jesus of Nazareth". It also incorporates the kasbah and an Islamic Museum. The museum showcases exhibits such as a collection of coins, Koranic inscriptions, jewelry, bronze and glass ware and an astrolabe from the 9th century. The Ribat is located at the seafront, close to the marina and the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba. Opening times : Tuesday - Sunday 8.30 - 17.30

Hotels Mausolee de Habib Bourguiba Monastir
Habib Bourguiba (1903 - 2000), the first president of Tunisia, had this mausoleum built for himself and his family, while he was still in good health and very much alive.The works on the domed building, which is flanked by two minarets and reminds very much of a mosque, started in 1963. Bourguibas' wife and parents have been buried here and after his death in 2000 the former president has been laid to rest here too. The mausoleum is located next to the cemetery, which dates back to the 12th century, not far from the Ribat and the marina of Monastir.