Overview

Hugging the coast of the Mediterranean, Monastir is the perfect resort town for a beach vacation, offering a vast array of activities and rich history going back as far as the Carthage. The town is located on the central coast of Tunisia around 12 miles south of the more popular coastal city of Sousse. Monastir boasts some of Tunisia’s finest sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, along with an overwhelming amount of waterfront hotels and restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.

Monastir’s immaculately preserved ribat is a fine example of Islamic military architecture and a highlight of the town. Dating from AD 797, perched right on the coast, is one of Tunisia’s most impressive relics of the Islamic era. Next door to the Ribat is the lavish Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, named after the founder of the modern Tunisian Republic, which beautifully blends traditional and modern Tunisian architecture.

Monastir is also one of the best places to visit and base yourself for a day trip to the remarkable El Jem amphitheater, rightly considered one of Tunisia's top tourist attractions.

Things to See and Do

The Ribat of Monastir is truly a highlight of the area and the town's most famous monument. It was built in 796 CE and has been very well preserved. It was used as a filming location for Monty Python's "Life of Brian" and also featured in Franco Zeffirelli's Jesus of Nazareth, something movie-buffs will appreciate, which has also added to its popularity amongst Western visitors.

Owing its name to its function during the Arab Abbasid dynasty in the 8th century, the Ribat served as a monastery used by soldier monks to pray and fight invaders. According to mythology, if you held the ribat for three days, your spot in paradise is guaranteed.

The Ribat is located right next to the sea, with beautiful views. There are beaches to the North and to the East if you want to relax by the ocean. On the southeast side is the three-story Nador tower, from the top of which are beautiful views of the yachting harbor, the cemetery, the Bourguiba Mausoleum, Great Mosque, and the roofs of the medina.

Visit the Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba located on the northern edge of Monastir cemetery. Habib Bourguiba is a statesman who served as the nation's first president of Tunisia. Built in 1963, the burial mosque holds the bodies of ex-President Bourguiba as well as his family.

The symmetrical building was built with the finest materials over the 20-year construction process, including olive wood, marble, and pure gold. The "Supreme Fighter's" personal items are on exhibit in a recreation of his office in a nearby room.

The tomb of Bourguiba itself sits amid a dazzling interior of glass-inlay and underneath a fabulous chandelier.

Relax on the Beaches of Monastir, one of the town's main attractions. The main resort beach is west of the center, lined with family-friendly resort hotels, as well as restaurants and cafes. Most of the resorts have claimed their private beach area, while there are umbrellas and loungers to rent from the beach cafes. This beach also has water sports for those who want to get out on the water and have some fun!

Stroll through the Medina (Old Town) area. This neighborhood is perfect to wander around and enjoy plenty of shopping opportunities with many small shops crammed full of Tunisian handicrafts.

Enjoy the Monastir Marina (also known as the Harbor). The port offer 386 berths for yachts and steadily gets 100% of occupancy in the last few years, you can expect many travelers from the four corners and all walks of life. Relax at one of the many cafes and pubs in La Marina, watch yacht owners, locals and tourist going about their daily life while enjoying a cup of coffee. It’s also a popular dining spot. The beach area to the east of the marina has been more developed and is also a great sot for photos of Monastir Ribat.

Check out the Bourguiba Mosque. As the birthplace of Tunisia's favorite son, Habib Bourguiba, founder of the Tunisian Republic, Monastir is home to a grand mosque in tribute to the ex-president.

Taieb Bouzguinda built the Habib Bourguiba Mosque in 1963. It was modeled on the Hammouda Pacha Mosque in Tunis with an octagonal minaret and a prayer hall that can accommodate a congregation of a thousand worshipers.

Lying between the mausoleum and the ribat, the large Monastir cemetery remains a history witness on the urban program led by Habib Bouguiba to improve the infrastructure and modernize the city. The program entailed a big destruction plan where a third of the city was demolished. The cemetery holds a vast number of beautiful old tombs, many decorated with bands of Kufic inscriptions and faience tiles. Be sure to find the 12th-century tome of Sidi el Mazeri, a Sicilian-born marabout (Muslim holy mand) who preached here.

Day Trip

Sousse is located 13 miles northwest up the coast from Monastir, making it a great day trip to one of Tunisia's most important historical destinations. Its medina area, crammed with local craftwork and colorful alleyways, is a favorite spot for shoppers and photographers.

Surrounding the medina neighborhood are the walls of Sousse's Ribat and Kasbah, which rate among the best preserved examples of Islamic architecture in the country.

There is a local train that connects Monastir and Sousse, making it easy to visit at your own pace, as well as many organized tours that are run by Monastir's many beach resorts.

Another fun daytrip or half-day trip from Monastir is Moknine, situated about 10-miles south of town. This little town sits alongside the shores of a salt lake and is famous for the finely-worked ceramics and jewelry produced by its artisans. In the town center, be sure to visit the Moknine's folk museum, which is housed in the former Mosque of Sidi Babana. Here you'll find ehibits on local culture and artistry.