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Home > Tunisia Guide > Monastir

Monastir

Monastir is 25 kms to the south of Sousse, now houses the beautiful twin minaret Bourguiba Mausoleum, Tunisia former president who led the country out of French rule in the 1950’s 
 
The town is still a busy fishing port and at its heart is the Medina, a fascinating place to wander and drink in the atmosphere. Here you’ll find the Kasbah and the Ribat (a sort of fortress for devout Muslim warriors) built at the end of the 8th century, with distinctive ramparts and a watchtower – much loved by film-makers.
 
Hotels stretch north along the sandy beach to Skanes, close to Monastir Airport, where most of them are located.  For golf lovers, the Golf Flamingo course is an excellent challenging course for experienced players while the Palm Links course in Skanes is perfect for those working on their handicap.

What to see

The Medina

The town is still a busy fishing port and at its heart is the Medina, originally built around the Ribat but extended in the 18th century. 

 

 

The Ribat

The Medina in Monastir is undoubtedly worth visiting for the Ribat (a sort of fortress for devout Muslim warriors), built at the end of the 8th century, with distinctive ramparts and a watchtower.  In its prayer hall is a small but interesting Islamic museum

 

Bourguiba Mausoleum

Monastir's most impressive landmark is the golden-domed Bourguiba Mosque . An amazing building, a memorial tribute to the former president Habib Bourguiba. The mausoleum was started to be built in 1963 and has many similarities to the typical mosque and holy man's tomb (zawiyya).

Nearby

Sousse (20 kms)

A city full of interset with most of the major attractions in and around the medina with its ramparts including the Great Mosque and its Ribat - one of a chain of fortresses which stretched along the Mediterranean coast.

Mahdia (45 kms)

The ancient capital of the Fatimids set on a narrow peninsula. It has a busy fishing port, daily markets and a lively Friday market and is famous for its much sought after embroidery, lace and silk work.


Kairouan (80 kms)

The capital of the Aghlabid dynasty with its Great Mosque dominating the medina and El Jem archeological site with its gigantic Roman amphitheatre, are both within easy traveling distance.