Monastir sightseeing excursions. Resort Monastir: what to see for tourists

One of the most popular resorts in Tunisia, a major commercial city and educational center. The city is famous primarily for its magnificent beaches. They are perfectly equipped for sports, there are equipment rental centers and diving schools. On the territory of each beach you will find many restaurants and cafes serving seafood dishes. La Grotte is considered the most popular fish restaurant, but you can taste national Tunisian dishes at Les Sportifs.

The largest sports center where scuba diving takes place is located near the port. Here you can also take part in a sailing trip on a yacht. Golf lovers should definitely visit the new course, which was opened a couple of years ago. There is also a hippodrome for those wishing to learn horse riding.

As for the historical sights, it is worth visiting an excursion to the fortress wall, which is located near the port area. There is also the Bourguiba mausoleum and an ancient mosque. One of the most popular cultural institutions is the Islamic Museum, which stores a valuable collection of ancient manuscripts dating back to the 4th - 6th centuries. Several rooms are dedicated to the collections of pottery, and one of the most famous exhibits is the astrolabe, which was made in 927. Copyright www.site

In the center of the city, there is another significant architectural structure - the mausoleum of the Bourguiba family. His tomb is decorated with magnificent marble and carved ceramic fragments. In 1980, the mausoleum was decorated with new golden domes and two minarets were added to it. The resort is rich in entertainment for every taste, beach holidays can be replaced by visits to attractions, and sports - fascinating excursions to historical sites. A trip to Monastir will bring a lot of unforgettable impressions.

The most significant religious site of the city is the Great Mosque, which was built over a thousand years ago. Over the years of its existence, the mosque has been rebuilt several times; now it is a beautiful architectural monument with arches and columns. The mosque has a large courtyard and a spacious prayer hall that does not get hot even in the middle of a sultry day. The entrance to the mosque is available only to adherents of the Muslim faith, and everyone else is invited to admire the historical monument from the adjacent territory.

Located off the coast, the Ribam Fortress is the largest and oldest in North Africa. It was built in the 8th century and originally occupied a very small area, with each century the scale of the defensive structure became more and more extensive. Now the area of \u200b\u200bthe fortress is over 4,000 square meters. meters, many famous warriors are buried on its territory, and there are also several religious shrines in the fortress. A prayer room has been preserved in the fortress, next to which a small Museum of Islamic Art is now equipped.

A very interesting cultural center is the Museum of Traditional Costume. The main part of its exposition is made up of national clothes, which were relevant at the turn of the 19th - 20th centuries. In addition to clothing, the museum displays collections of luxurious jewelry, precious stones and products made from the finest local silk, which is known for its unique qualities.

Among the residents of Monastir, one of the favorite resting places is the picturesque Baladia Park. In addition to landscape decorations and old buildings, in this park you can see a monument to President Habib Bourguiba; comfortable walking paths and recreation areas with benches are equipped around the monument.

Basic moments

Monastir with its wide streets, beautiful roads, green squares and yacht marina looks very respectable. The ancient monuments of the city - the ribat and the Great Mosque - are perfectly reconstructed, the walls and entrance gates of the well-preserved medina resemble a luxurious scenery for adventure and historical films. Monastir owes its somewhat picturesque appearance to the leader of the nation, who was born here - Habib Bourguiba. On his initiative, in the 60s of the last century, the city was renewed, which required colossal human and financial resources. The memory of the first president of the country is captured in a pompous mausoleum and a beautiful mosque named after him. These buildings are no less striking sights of the city than its medieval buildings.

Monastir has its own airport, built in the tourist area, in the Skanes area, which is located west of the city center. Skanes boasts beautiful beaches that stretch for 9 km towards the popular resort of Sousse. In Monastir itself, there are not too many amusement parks, discos, nightclubs, so the neighboring resort is in great demand among young people vacationing here. Otherwise, Monastir is ready to offer its guests a set of entertainment traditional for a seaside resort: here you can go yachting, diving, water skiing, parasailing. There are golf courses and riding clubs.

Monastir has many excellent restaurants with Mediterranean, Tunisian and French cuisine. The best of them are located on a beautiful waterfront near the marina. In search of authentic and inexpensive food, many tourists head to the medina, which retains the atmosphere of a traditional Arab city. It is interesting to wander along the narrow streets lined with pretty blue and white houses, buy souvenirs, see how artisans work, hand-weaving carpets or carving bizarre figures from wood.

History of Monastir

The history of Monastir dates back to the 5th-4th centuries BC. BC, when on the sea coast along which the modern city is located, the Phoenicians founded a settlement called Ruspina, which means "the edge of the peninsula" or "cape". Ruspina is mentioned in one of the first treaties between Rome and Carthage. It is known that during the Second Punic War, the city remained loyal to Carthage, providing assistance to the troops of the famous commander Hannibal Barca, the sworn enemy of the Roman Empire. In 146 BC. e., after the fall of Carthage during the last war between the two states, Ruspina came under the rule of the Roman Republic, but the traditions of the Punic civilization were preserved here during the period of Roman rule.

Ruspina became the first city in Africa to ally with Julius Caesar. This happened in 47 BC. e., when the legendary Roman launched military operations here against his political enemy - Pompey, who was hiding in Egypt. Caesar turned Ruspina into a base camp, surrounding it with a triple fortress wall, the remains of which can still be seen in the city. The profitable alliance brought the city an increase in its status, and the privileges granted by Caesar turned into economic prosperity.

At the beginning of the 5th century A.D. e. the African territories of Rome were captured by the Vandals, but in the 30s of the next century the Byzantines established themselves here. During the years of their more than a century of rule, a fortress was built near the coast of Ruspina, which protected the city from attacks from the sea. Its garrison consisted of soldiers who took monastic vows. During this period, the city acquired a new name - "Monastir". It is believed that this word is a borrowing of the Greek term "monastrion". This is how the Byzantines called the forts built on the Mediterranean coast, the garrisons of which consisted of monks. The name stuck, and the Muslims who invaded Tunisia in 670 did not change it. This version of the origin of the name of the city is basic, but far from the only one.

In the 8th century, during the reign of the Arab dynasty of the Abbasids, the first ribat in Tunisia was erected in Monastir - a fortress-monastery, where Muslim warrior monks divided time between prayers and repelling the attacks of the invaders. In the 9th century, the fortress was expanded, and the Great Mosque was erected not far from it. In the 11th century, Monastir became a major religious center and received the status of a Holy City.

In the vicinity of Monastir there are olive plantations, orchards. The territory of the local airport is surrounded by salt lakes, where white storks can be seen in summer. The lakes are separated by earthen embankments, access to them is prohibited.

Monastir has a dry Mediterranean climate with hot summers, extremely warm winters, a predominance of sunny days and little rainfall throughout the year. The weather is much milder here than in cities located in the central part of the country.

The season in Monastir, as in the neighboring resort towns, traditionally lasts from May to October. In the hottest months - July and August - the daytime air temperature can reach +35 ° С, the water in the sea warms up to +27 ... + 28 ° С. The peak of the heat is from 13:00 to 16:00.

Tourists who feel uncomfortable at such temperatures come to Monastir in May or June, when the temperature does not exceed +30 ° C, and the water has already warmed up to +25 ° C, or they go to this resort at the end of August - September. By the beginning of autumn, the daytime temperature drops to +28 ° С, in October - to +25 ° С. The water is still warm: +24 ... + 26 ° С. It should be noted that October is the wettest month. The number of "wet" days during the month can add up to a week. However, precipitation here is short-lived at this time - it rains for 5-10 minutes, sometimes it is accompanied by strong gusts of wind.

In winter, in Monastir about +17 ° С during the day and +8 ... + 9 ° С after sunset. Winds often blow during this time of the year, and rains sometimes turn into heavy showers.

Spring comes early - in March in the afternoon it is already about +20 ° С, sometimes it can rain, but by the beginning of May the precipitation stops.

Attractions Monastir

The main attractions of Monastir, except for the Habib Bourguiba Museum, are located in the city center. You can get acquainted with them in a day, combining inspection with a walk through the modern city with its wide alleys and spacious squares.

It is convenient to start the excursion with a visit to the ribat, which is reputed to be the most ancient not only in Tunisia, but in all the countries of the Maghreb. The coastal fortress was built in 796. For centuries, the fort defended the city from enemy attacks from the sea. Ribat has been expanded and strengthened several times over the millennium, from the 9th to the 19th century. It was these successive additions that gave it such a majestic and spectacular appearance. During the period that is called the "reconstruction of the Bourguiba", the ribat was completely restored, but managed to maintain its charm and identity.

Upon entering the fortress, you will be presented with a brochure in Russian detailing the defensive facilities. With this guide, you can roam the territory of the fortress, riddled with labyrinths of narrow passages and stairs. Nador - a watchtower towering three tiers above the ribat - offers a beautiful view of Monastir and its surroundings. You can climb the tower using a spiral staircase.

On the second level of the ribat, in the former prayer hall, there is the Museum of Islamic Art, which displays exhibits relating mainly to the period of the Abbasids and Fatimids. The most valuable of these are the astrolabe, designed by the Arabs and made in Spanish Cordoba in 927, as well as the remains of the legendary gate of the Great Mosque of Kairouan - the oldest in the Maghreb. It also displays ceramics, jewelry, ancient manuscripts, coins from different eras.

Ribat is open to the public from May 1 to September 15, from 08:30 to 18:00. In other months, it closes an hour earlier. The entrance ticket costs 7 dinars.

Near the ribat are the pavilions of the IMF (International Monastir Films) film studio. World-famous film companies specializing in the production of adventure films cooperate with her. Famous directors have worked here, for example, George Lucas, who filmed scenes for the films Star Wars and In Search of the Lost Ark in Tunisia.

Ribat is located at the very entrance to the Medina (Old Town), near which is the Museum of Traditional Clothing. It is small but expressively distinctive. Here is an interesting collection of outfits, including festive ones, which are traditional for the inhabitants of the coastal regions of Tunisia. Among the exhibits are original jewelry, ceramic and earthenware, decorated with patterns that embody the Berber symbols of well-being.

The medina is always crowded and noisy. In this corner of Monastir it is interesting to wander through the labyrinths of picturesque narrow streets, looking into local shops selling interesting things. There are many small cafes where you can enjoy a cup of strong coffee or mint tea. At the Western Gate, you can climb the fortress wall and capture spectacular panoramas of the sea bay and the Old Town in a photo or video.

It is also worth taking a look at the Great Mosque, erected in the 9th century, during the Fatimid era. This massive structure initially did not have a minaret, as it belonged to defensive structures. The minaret was added in the XI century, since then the mosque has been rebuilt and completed several times. The entrance here is accessible only to Muslims, so you can only admire the beautiful colonnades and arches of the religious building from the outside.

In 1963, a new mosque was built in Monastir. It was erected on the initiative of Habib Bourguiba, and since that time it bears his name. Today this mosque is the main one in the city. Its 41 m high minaret is visible from most parts of Monastir, and its magnificent snow-white domes are admirable.

The Habib Bourguiba Mosque is an example of the symbiosis of traditional and modern religious architectural art of Tunisia: the prayer hall is square, the capitals are made in the Hafsid style. In the interiors of the mosque, luxurious finishing materials are used; they are decorated with columns of pink marble and onyx, ornamental images of colored and gilded smalt, graceful glass candlesticks. The mosaics in the mihrab are made in the traditions of the fine arts of Byzantium, Damascus, Cordoba.

The mosque has three courtyards lined with white marble slabs. One of them is called the Lion's yard. The fountain located there is also called a lion. Muslims can enter the mosque through one of 19 carved teak doors made by Kairouan craftsmen. There is a sign "Only muslems" at the main entrance, but sometimes there are guided tours at the mosque, for example, for foreign exchange students. Such sightseers are usually dressed as tourists, so curious vacationers can try to get lost among them and go inside.

To the west of the mosque, near the northern wall of the ribat, there is a cemetery where the patron saint of the city of Sidi el-Mezri is buried. His tomb (kubba), crowned with a dome, is the object of worship of believers. The cemetery also contains the remains of the warrior monks who served in the fortress.

Through the cemetery you can go to the mausoleum of the first president of Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba, built in 1963, at the dawn of his reign. Since then, the building has been expanded several times, and today it is a pompous, mosque-style structure, decorated with white Carrara marble. A wide alley 200 meters long leads to the mausoleum, bordered by rows of slender date palms.

Inside, in a crypt under a gilded dome, in a richly decorated closed marble sarcophagus, lie the remains of Bourguiba, who died in 2000. On either side of the main building are two smaller green domes and two 25-meter towers styled as minarets. The president's parents are buried under one of the domes, and his first wife and other relatives under the other. There is also a small museum where the president's personal belongings are displayed.

The entrance to the mausoleum is free of charge, you can visit it any day from 08:00 to 20:00. The entrance to the room is through the metal detector frame, video surveillance is conducted inside.

Those wishing to learn more about the life history of the first president of Tunisia can go to the museum that bears his name. It is located in the eastern part of the tourist area Skanes, in a fashionable cottage village. The museum is located in the premises of a villa that previously served as the summer residence of Habib Bourguiba. The halls display designer furniture from the Carthaginian presidential palace, the interiors of the private rooms of his second wife and adopted daughter have been recreated. Here you can see sculptures and paintings depicting Bourguiba, gifts presented to him by the leaders of various states, photographs. At the entrance flaunts the chic limousine of the leader of the nation - Grosser Mercedes 600. There are only 59 such copies in the world.

Beaches

The beach strip of Monastir stretches for almost 12 km. In the northwest it adjoins the coastline of the Sousse resort. The beach includes gently sloping areas along which hotels are built; here there are also corners with steep banks, where lovers of secluded relaxation like to sunbathe.

The city beach of Kariaa, located at the foot of the ribat, is crowded during the season. Mostly locals rest here, and tourists do not really like it. Algae often accumulate near the coast, but if you come here early in the morning, you can swim in crystal clear water and appreciate the spectacular panorama of the ribat from the sea - formidable centuries-old fortifications hang right above the coast.

To the west of the city stretches the picturesque La Falaise beach, near which there is a small park of the same name. There are pedestrian paths, and benches for relaxation are placed in the nicest corners under the trees. Further, there is a well-developed sandy coast of the Skanes tourist area. The hotels located here have their own beaches, but this is a very conditional property, since plots of land located three meters from the sea are considered public in Tunisia and are accessible to everyone.

The beaches of Skanes, which stretch for 9 km, are equipped with sun loungers and parasols. Prices for their use are set by hotels - usually from 2 dinars. The range of water activities here is wide and varied: you can go water skiing, "banana", parasailing, kayaking, windsurfing, rent a boat and go further away from the coast for scuba diving or fishing. Equipment is offered at rental points.

Entertainment

Boat trips are one of the most popular entertainments among tourists vacationing in Monastir. From the small, but very picturesque yacht port of Monastir, sailboats and boats with tourists regularly go to the open sea. Pleasure boat captains deliver passengers to nearby islands, including the Kuriat archipelago. It consists of two islets with wonderful beaches.

The most famous diving center in the city, Plongee et Loisirs de Monastir, is located in the marina. The instructors organize dives in places located 2-3 kilometers from the coast - near Pigeon Island, near the Little Rocks. Training + diving in this dive center costs about 100 €, equipment rental will cost 80 €.

The embankment near the port is one of the most beautiful places in the city. It is always pleasant to walk here, sit in one of the many fish restaurants with a magical view of the sea.

In Monastir, tourists enjoy playing golf, equestrian sports. Monastir Flamingo Golf Cours, an 18-hole golf course, is a 10-minute drive from Skanes. The cost of a round is from 100 dinars, for training (50-minute lesson) you need to pay 60 dinars per person. Near the salt lakes, surrounded by palm groves, there is another golf club - Palm Links.

In Skanes there is a ranch with sand arenas and a riding school. Here horse rides are organized along the coast towards Monastir and Sousse.

In Monastir there is a small water park One resort aquapark, amusement parks Spring Land and Adam Park, carting center Carting Monastir. Nightclubs and discos are located only in large hotels, including: Bella Vista, Oasis. Many tourists head towards Sousse in the late afternoon, where the nightlife is more varied.

Purchases

In search of souvenirs, tourists usually head to the medina, where traditional Tunisian products are sold in small shops - ceramics, handmade carpets, jewelry, clothes stylized as national dresses. In specialized shops you can buy all sorts of spices, incense, perfumery based on olive oil. There are also antique shops. But in order to choose a truly valuable item, you have to thoroughly "rummage" the offered trinkets.

Interesting authentic products are most widely represented in the market, which takes place in the central square on Saturdays. On this day, artisans from neighboring villages come here, creating original pottery, ceramics with exquisite painting with their own hands. The market also sells spectacular jewelry, inexpensive cute bags, leather clothing and accessories.

If you don't feel like wandering through the bustling markets, head to the modern four-story Yasmina Center supermarket. It is also located in the medina. Here, in addition to souvenirs, beautiful and inexpensive clothes from local manufacturers are sold. In search of beautiful beachwear, you should visit one of the Paradis boutiques. Wonderful olive oil under the brand name Ruspina, which is produced in the province of Monastir, can be bought in supermarkets Monoprix, Carrefour. In addition to the aforementioned olive oil, Magasin General (MG) sells local wines and other alcoholic beverages, including a local fig vodka called Boukha, the famous Thibarin date liqueur.

Kitchen

The most popular cafes and restaurants of Monastir are located in the marina area. Among the most expensive establishments, Marina The Captain serves delicious seafood and excellent steaks, Le Grandelier with a Thousand and One Nights atmosphere and cuisine that combines French and Tunisian traditions. Lobster, mussels, shrimp and grilled fish are excellently prepared at Le Pirate, the portions are simply huge. Prices in such restaurants start at 45 dinars per person (no alcohol).

Budget establishments located near the sea include Marrakech with Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine, Cap Grill, where both fish and meat are grilled. Check amount - from 15 dinars.

In the city center, you can have an inexpensive meal at the Alhambra Tunisian restaurant. There is a wide selection of meat and fish dishes, the portions are very impressive. A full lunch will cost from 30 dinars, a seafood mix salad costs 8 dinars.

Near the Habib Bourguiba Mosque, there are some pretty cafes serving Italian and Tunisian cuisine. The prices are affordable, for example, pizza will cost 10 dinars. The same amount will cost a huge burger with beef cutlet and margins - traditional spicy lamb and beef sausages in a natural casing.

Where to stay

The best hotels in the Monastir resort are located in Skanes. They are located along the first coastline and have vast territories with swimming pools, tennis courts, sports grounds. The most popular in the area are a four-star hotel (price range depending on the season and room class: € 30-120 per day) and a five-star hotel (price range: € 40-145 per day). Thalassotherapy centers operate in both hotels.

Regency Hotel & Spa has good reviews from 3-star hotels

Not far from the medina is the noteworthy three-star Monastir Center Hotel. The hotel does not have its own beach, but there is a spacious swimming pool. You can stay here by paying for a room from 15 to 70 € per day. There are also two-star hotels in the center of Monastir, but the level of service in them is minimal, and there is no need to talk about the cleanliness of the rooms.

Transport

The most common transport among tourists in Monastir is a taxi. Within the city limits, the trip costs 3 dinars. From the resort area Skanes to the historical center can be reached for 5-10 dinars.

The Suss - Monastir - Mahdia light rail line runs through Monastir. Trains stop at Skanes. It's called "Airport". A trip in a comfortable train cabin from Skanes to a station located near the medina will cost 0.5 dinars. If you want to take this type of transport in a different direction - to the resort of Sousse, pay 0.8 dinars. Trains run every half hour.

How to get there

Monastir has its own airport, which bears the name of Habib Bourguiba. It was commissioned back in 1968, but despite its venerable age, the air harbor does not give up its positions, serving more than 4 million passengers a year. The airport is mainly used by airlines specializing in seasonal charters. Airliners from Africa, the Middle East and Europe, including Russia, land here. Direct flights from Moscow to Monastir are carried out by the domestic airline Nordwind. Flight schedules and ticket prices vary by season. The cheapest tickets are offered in January, April, October, and the most expensive in June, July, December. The April price starts at 441 € and a round-trip ticket. The route is usually operated by an Airbus A320 and the flight takes an average of 4 hours 20 minutes.

From June to October, Nouvelair Tunisie also offers direct flights from Vnukovo Airport to Monastir. The estimated frequency of flights for 2019 is from five in June to three in October.

During the season, Nordwind and Nouvelair Tunisie carry out charter flights from St. Petersburg to Monastir. Their frequency depends on the requests of tour operators.

Monastir Airport is located in the tourist area of \u200b\u200bSkanes, 10 km from the city center. Many beach hotels are easily reachable on foot from the airport, although some of them can be reached via a railway track. Tourists who have paid for a transfer to a hotel located 300-500 meters from the airport, when leaving the bus, are usually amazed at such a "tour", especially if they have to wait more than half an hour upon arrival until all the seats are occupied in the transport cabin.

Buses and minibuses (luage) run regularly between the city center and the airport. The journey takes 10-15 minutes and costs up to 3.5 dinars.

Germany Taxi rank

From the capital of Tunisia, Monastir can be reached by domestic planes. The ticket will cost from 140 dinars depending on the season. The train journey to Monastir from Tunisia is through Sousse and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The trains run from 05:30 to 21:00. The capital and Monastir are also connected by a bus service.

During the season, tour operators often offer tourists who want to relax in Monastir to get to the resort through the modern airport Enfidha - Hammamet, the largest in Tunisia and the second largest in Africa. From Monastir Enfidu is separated by about 75 km, which can be overcome by bus or taxi. Buses run from 09:45 to 00:45 at intervals of an hour or more. Such long intervals are used by nosy taxi drivers waiting for tourists at the exit from the terminal building. They estimate their services at no less than 100 dinars, but with persistence they can negotiate for 80 dinars.

Tunisia is a wonderful country with a rich history. Carthage stood here, cities of the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs were located. In many medieval cities, the medina has been preserved - the old center of the city, behind the fortress walls of which there was a bazaar and a mosque.

One of the most beautiful cities in Tunisia is Monastir, famous for its historical sights and wonderful beaches.

City `s history

The ancient religious center of Tunisia and the modern international recreation center Monastir is located 162 km south of the capital of Tunisia, on a rocky Mediterranean peninsula.

The city was founded in the 5th century BC. Phoenicians, and it was then called Ruspenna. Monastir owes its fame to two great personalities: Guy Julius Caesar and the first president of Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba. The Roman commander turned Ruspenna into his base camp during the African campaign against Pompey (mid-1st century BC) and surrounded it with three rows of fortress walls, the remains of which can be seen today. The Romans slightly changed the name of the city to Ruspina.

At the end of the 8th century, the Arab dynasty of the Abbasids chose Monastir to build the first Tunisian ribat - a monastery, from which the city apparently got its name. Murabitins lived here - warrior monks who divided their time between prayer and fighting the enemy. When the rulers of the Fatimid Caliphate moved the capital to Mahdia in the 9th century, Monastir became the largest religious center and was recognized as a "holy city".

After the proclamation of Tunisia's independence, Monastir experienced a true heyday. Starting in the 1970s, Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba, a native of Monastir, began to allocate large funds for the development of the city (more than 10% of the national budget). Bourguiba met his last days in his hometown and was buried here in a majestic mausoleum.

Modern Monastir is an important tourist center with an international airport, seaport, hotels, parks and beaches.

Attractions Monastir

It is quite easy to independently build a tourist route to see all the sights of the city. It will definitely be the old part of the city (medina), the fortress (ribat), mosques and the Bourguiba mausoleum.

The main attractions of the medina: the Great Mosque (IX century) and the ribat (VIII - XI century). The Great Mosque was originally a fortress. Built during the reign of Emir El-Mosiz Ibn Badis, the mosque has been expanded several times, in particular under the Zirids in the 11th century. The minaret was built during the Havsid era.

Ribat and Monastir Museum. The huge ribat was built in 769 and was intended to protect against Christian attacks. It was regularly expanded by various conquerors of Monastir in the IX, XI, XVI, XIX centuries. Ribat was completely rebuilt under Habib Bourguiba. From the high watchtower of the fortress, you can look at the magnificent panorama of the city and its surroundings.

In the south wing of the ribat there is a small museum of Islamic art. The most beautiful exhibit in the museum is the astrolabe, designed by the Arabs and manufactured by the Spaniards in 927 in Cordoba.

Keep an eye out for other attractions in Monastir:

• Bourguiba Mosque. The main mosque of the city, the construction of which was completed in 1963. The building of the mosque is an interesting attempt to renew the religious art of Tunisia: rectangular prayer hall, Hawsid-style capitals, pink marble and onyx columns, gilded mosaics, glass candelabra. The niche mosaics inside the mosque are reminiscent of the art of Byzantium, Damascus and Cordoba. The mosque includes three courtyards that are paved with white marble. The entrance to the mosque is closed for non-Muslims;
• Mausoleum of Bourguiba. To the west of the Zawiya Said burial mosque is the cemetery of Sidi el-Mezri, the patron saint of the city. His tomb is worshiped. This seaside cemetery leads to the grandiose Mausoleum of the Bourguiba family. Since April 2000, the remains of the country's former president, Habib Bourguiba, have been buried here. On the sides of the main building, crowned with a large gilded dome, there are two smaller green domes with minarets 25 m high, under which are the tombs of the president's parents and his first wife;
• Palace of Congresses. Another large-scale building of the Bourguiba era. This building can accommodate a thousand people. The halls are equipped with air conditioning, booths for simultaneous interpretation and are distinguished by impeccable acoustics;
• The Museum of Folk Art and Traditions will be of interest to lovers of traditional costumes.

Not far from Monastir there are the ruins of the ancient Ruspina, the marble of buildings and temples of which was used in the construction of mosques.

Things to Do in Monastir

In search of active forms of leisure, you can contact the recreation centers, located most often in the hotels of the city. Possible entertainments include:

• diving;
• horseback Riding;
• yachting;
• golf.

From Monastir you can independently go on an excursion:

• in Sousse - an old, large resort town located just 24 km from Monastir;
• to El Jem and look there at the magnificent ancient Roman Colosseum - the third largest in the world and the first in safety;
• to Mahdia - a resort town with one of the best thalassotherapy centers.

Between Monastir and Mahdia lies Tebulba, an exotic coastal village with a small fishing port. Under the octagonal minaret, there is always lively and noisy trade.

Nearby is the large suburb of Moknin. The place is famous for its jewelry as well as Berber costumes and ceramics. Further, there is the populous Ksar-Hellal, known throughout Tunisia for its fabrics. In Lamte you can visit the archaeological museum, which houses exhibits from Phoenician and Roman times.

Getting to Monastir on your own is quite simple: not far from the city, there is an international airport named after Habiba Bourguiba, which accepts direct charts from Russia.

Monastir is a modern resort town with a rich historical past, which attracts many tourists, including Russian ones.

The city of Monastir is surrounded on all sides by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and the lion's share of the city's territory is occupied by beaches. Actually, most tourists are attracted here by the beaches. However, for those who come not only for sunbathing, Monastir is ready to offer much more.

For example, Ribat, located right on the coast, is one of the main Tunisian monuments of the Islamic era. Right next to Ribat is the luxurious mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, the first president of Tunisia. This building is an example of a harmonious mixture of traditional and modern Tunisian architecture.

Ribat

The most famous landmark of Monastir is located right by the sea. The Ribat of Monastir was built by Harthama ben Ayan in 796. Film lovers will immediately see familiar features in this structure: here they filmed “Brian's Life after Monty Python” and several episodes of “Jesus of Nazareth” by Franco Zeffirelli. The Ribat at Monastir is one of the oldest fortresses in North Africa, along with the Ribat at Sousse.

The southeastern side of the fortress is decorated with a three-story tower Nador, from the top of which a magnificent view of the harbor, the main mosque of Monastir, the Mausoleum of Bourguiba and Medina opens.

An imposing gate in the western part of the Ribat leads to a courtyard surrounded on three sides by several floors of living quarters, storerooms and casemates, while the former prayer hall on the top floor now houses the Museum of Islam.

Ribat Monastir Photos

Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba (Mausoleum)

The giant mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba is located on the northern edge of the old cemetery. Its splendor, crowned with a golden dome, is a tribute to the first President of Tunisia since independence from France.

The building was erected in 1963 and contains the bodies of the former president and his family. The two twenty-five meter high minarets are made of Italian marble, and the façade is decorated with handmade tiles. The tomb itself is located under a stunning chandelier, in the middle of the interior, shining with an abundance of glass decor.

Photo of the Bourguiba mausoleum

Bourguiba Mosque

Monastir is the hometown of Habib Bourguib, therefore a mosque named after him was built here. Architect Taieb Bouzguenda built the mosque in 1963. It was built on the model of the Hamuda Pasha mosque in Tunisia and boasts an octagonal minaret 41 meters high and a prayer hall that can accommodate up to a thousand people.

Nearby, on Rue Trabelsia, you can find the Musée du Mouvement National (Museum of the National Movement), dedicated to the history of Tunisia's struggle for independence from France.
Location: Rue de'l Indépendance

Photo mosque Bourguiba

Medina

Medina Monastir (old town) has been painstakingly restored, but unfortunately, much of its authentic charm has been lost in the process of this restoration. However, this area remains a great place for leisurely walks, especially if the beach is too hot. Market streets encourage endless shopping: here you can find handmade ceramics, leather and wood products, and silver.

Photo of Medina Monastir

Muslim cemetery

In the northwest, just outside the walls of Ribat, there is a cemetery. Its territory is strewn with a huge number of graceful ancient tombs. Many of them are decorated with faience tiles and painted in a circle with Kufic inscriptions. The tomb of Sidi el Mazeri, which was built in the 12th century, deserves special attention.

Photo cemetery Monastir

Harbor

The picturesque promenade (called the Corniche) leads to the harbor of Port de Plaisance, where the yachts slowly sway on the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. This is the best place for a sunset stroll in the evening. Just behind the harbor is the modern Village Touristique Resort. There are local luxury hotels.

Photos of Monastir harbor

Skanès

Skanes, a northern suburb of Monastir, is filled with expensive, dazzling white villas and luxurious hotels, rebuilt according to the canons of Tunisian architecture. The best beaches of Monastir are also located here, and the road to the tourist area of \u200b\u200bthe town runs near the former presidential palace, hidden behind high walls and wrought-iron gates.

Skanes Photos

Beaches of Monastir

Many consider Monastir's main attraction for its fine white sand beaches. The city itself seems to be in the arms of the coast, surrounded by beaches on three sides. All beaches are kept perfectly clean, all beaches have toilets, showers, as well as restaurants, cafes, umbrellas and sun loungers for rent.

Some beaches are also equipped for water sports or offer boat and boat rentals for those who are tired of just lying in the warm sun.

Monastir Beach Photos

Costume museum

A small museum located in the Monastir Tourist Office (ONTT) exhibits a collection of wedding dresses from all over Tunisia.
Address: ONTT Building, Rue de l'Indépendance

Main mosque

The mosque was built in the 9th century, and in the 11th century it was completed by the Zirid dynasty. Located slightly south of Ribat.

Sidi dhouib ribat

The small Ribat Sidi Dhouib is located between the main mosque and the Medina. Its first floor has been rebuilt and restored.

Moknine

The small town of Monine was built on the shores of a salt lake and is famous for its quality ceramics and fine jewelry. In the city center, there is a folklore museum that occupied the former Sidi Babana Mosque. It is famous not only for its exposition, but also for the original architecture of the building, which is an example of the “Tubi Fitilli” (Roman brick vaults) found in the Bulla Regia.
Location: 15km south of Monastir

Monastir on the map

History of Monastir

Nestled on a small peninsula and surrounded by beaches on almost all four sides, Monastir resembles a sparkling Mediterranean pearl that attracts crowds of tourists from all over the world every year. But in addition to sea and beach pleasures, this ancient Tunisian city can offer all those whose curiosity extends beyond the traditional resort framework, many other interesting entertainment and attractions.

Among them are the ancient Islamic relic Ribat Hartem located right on the seashore, and the impressive Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, which combines traditional and modern Tunisian architecture, and many other historical monuments and cultural heritage sites. A short trip to the town of El Jem, located near Monastir, will give you a unique opportunity to admire one of the main Tunisian tourist sites - the Colosseum, the well-preserved and largest in Africa.

Fortress Ribat Hartem. | Photo: wikimedia.

The most famous landmark of Monastir, the Ribat Hartem fortress, built by the order of the Caliph Harthama Ben Ayan in 796 AD, is located almost on the seashore. For centuries, she reliably protected the city from the alleged sea invasions of the Byzantines. Movie lovers will instantly remember the characteristic architecture of this imposing building based on the unforgettable scenes from M. Python's film "The Life of Brian" or "Jesus of Nazareth" by F. Zeffirelli.

Such an addiction of filmmakers to the Monastir Ribat is not an accident, but rather a pattern: this amazingly preserved three-level fortress will always be a wonderful deeply realistic scenery that perfectly reflects its era and oriental flavor.

On the southeast side of the fortress there is a three-storey tower "Nador", from the top of which you can see picturesque views of the city, the harbor "Port de Plaisance", the Grand Mosque, the Mausoleum of Bourguiba and the Monastir cemetery. The stately western gate leads to the Ribat courtyard, surrounded by buildings that once served as utility and living quarters. Historians believe that a separate entrance on some of these rooms indicates that they were intended for women. The former prayer hall on the top floor now houses the Islamic Museum, which can tell a lot of interesting things for those who are not indifferent to the history and culture of Tunisia.

The address: Ribat Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.

Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba. | Photo: Dennis Jarvis / Flickr.

The majestic Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba is located on the northern edge of the Monastir cemetery. The museum's opulent splendor is a tribute to the first president of Tunisia and an active participant in the independence of his native country from French colonial rule.

This funerary mosque, crowned with a huge golden dome and two minarets rising into the sky, was specially built in 1963 for the upcoming burials of all members of the Bourguiba family. The facade of the building is covered with elegant thin tiles, and the 25-meter minarets are made of Italian marble. The very tomb of Bourguiba, who died in 2000, is surrounded by a dazzling interior of inlaid glass, the effect of which is enhanced by an enchantingly powerful chandelier.

The address:Mausolée Habib Bourguiba, شارع الشهداء ، جمال ، Tunisia.

Bourguiba Mosque. | Photo: traveling.the.world / Flickr.

This is another magnificent architectural masterpiece, erected in honor of the great native of Monastir, Habib Bourguiba. The mosque was built in the same 1963 by order of the ex-president himself. The architectural style of this building largely echoes the characteristic features of the Hammoud Pacha mosque, built in the city of Tunis.

The Bourguiba Mosque features a pathetic 41-meter octagonal minaret and a huge prayer hall that can accommodate thousands of believers. Although this hall is closed for tourist viewing, other areas of the mosque have recently become permitted for visiting (subject to certain rules for clothing and shoes). Not far from the mosque (in the office of the ONTT travel agency) there is a small museum of Tunisian national wedding costumes, and on Trabelsia Street there is the Museum of the National Movement, dedicated to the history of the Tunisian people's struggle for independence from the French expansion.

The address:Bourguiba Mosque, Monastir, Tunisia.

The old city of Medina. | Photo: wikimedia.

Medina is the Monastir Old Town, which has lost some of its original charm as a result of the renovation process. Nonetheless, Medina remains an excellent base for exploring the narrow, winding streets, where it is sometimes difficult for two travelers to separate.

Choose early morning or late afternoon for your stroll, when nearby houses provide a pleasant shade conducive to a leisurely promenade and visits to local shops, shops and markets. A walk along the Monastir Medina will give you a great opportunity to bargain in order to profitably purchase an unusual souvenir in the form of an exquisite piece of wood, silver, ceramics or leather. But do not forget that you are in the East, where the initial prices can be very high.

The address: Medina, Monastir, Tunisia.

Monastir Cemetery. | Photo: wikimedia.

To the northwest of Ribat Hartem is the Monastir Cemetery, where almost every grave is decorated in such a way that it attracts the eye and modestly encourages you to stop in order to look at it better and understand who it is. Notable natives of Monastir are buried in the cemetery, the graves of many of whom are inscribed with lines of Kufi inscriptions and decorated with faience tiles.

Some burials are very ancient: for example, the tomb of a Sicilian by origin, but a marabut (Muslim saint) by faith, Sidi el-Mazeri, who preached here in the 12th century. The cemetery is very photogenic and breathes a calm pacification, in which, after the city excursion crowd, you can indulge in silence and study the biographies of the great sons and daughters of Monastir. To the south of the cemetery, you will see the 9th century Monastir Mosque towering above it, converted and enlarged in the 11th century by the Zirid dynasty.

The address: Cimetière de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.

Harbor "Port de Plaisance". | Photo: aurelie lefay / Flickr.

The sunny Monastirskaya Quay, known as the "Corniche", leads to the Port de Plaisance Harbor, which is home to many pleasure yachts and boats. Here you can buy a ticket for any, distant or close, water trip, at the end point of which you will find an interesting excursion or traditional beach pleasures away from the bustle and crowded city beaches.

Well, if you just dream of taking a ride and breathing the sea air, without going ashore, you can easily find an operator in Port de Plaisance who is ready to fulfill your desire too. Just behind the harbor is a modern beachfront resort known as the Village Touristique, home to most of Monastir's luxury hotels.

The address: Marina Cap Monastir ، Monastir, Tunisia.

El Jem amphitheater.

For most tourists, a vacation in Monastir will not feel complete unless they take a day trip to the nearby town of El Jem. A scenic 60 km drive will take you to the majestic Roman Colosseum.

This is one of the top attractions in Tunisia and really worth seeing. Perfectly preserved, the third largest in the world and the first in Africa, the El Jem Colosseum is one of the finest examples of a Roman amphitheater.

The ancient Colosseum is so huge that it continues to dominate even against the background of modern, but mostly low-rise city buildings. Traveling back to the glory days of the Roman Empire, visiting the arena and stands of the Colosseum and seeing its underground chambers for wild animals and gladiators is the dream of many travelers, and you can fulfill it during your stay in Monastir.

The address: El Jem Amphitheater, El Jem, Tunisia.

Skanes region

The northern suburb of Monastir, Skanes, is a series of stunning, dazzling white villas and luxury hotels, reflecting a fusion of traditional Tunisian architecture with more modern mid-century designs. Skanes is considered the most fashionable area of \u200b\u200bMonastir, favored by the upper classes of society.

Perhaps this is because the area is right on a foreshore dotted with the finest sandy beaches and water sports and diving clubs. All the fun and entertainment are within walking distance of your hotel room or villa. The road to Skanes passes by the former presidential palace, surrounded by sky-high walls with richly decorated wrought-iron gates.

The address:Salle Mesk Ellil, Monastir, Tunisia.

Beaches of Monastir

Scan beach.

For many tourists, the main attraction of Monastir is its coastline, which is a continuous chain of perfectly white sandy beaches. The unique location of Monastir, located on the peninsula, makes this city the owner of a fairly long coastal strip, surrounded on all three sides by a warm Mediterranean surface.

All city beaches are kept clean and have a lot of amenities, among which cafes and restaurants are far from the last. In Monastir, you can find a lot of beaches, which, in addition to the traditional umbrellas and sun loungers, offer vacationers to do water sports or go boating.

The address: Plage Sqanes, Monastir, Tunisia.

City Moknin

View of the Sidi Bou Aban mosque. | Photo: wikimedia.

If you are a little bored with your stay in the city, you can leave it for a while and visit the small town of Moknin. Located on the shore of a salt lake, Moknin is famous for its first-class jewelers and craftsmen who create real miracles from ceramics with their own hands.

A short trip to a small town just 15 kilometers from Monastir will give you the opportunity to admire the lake landscape of unusual color created by ground sediments. There are several museums in Moknino, among which folklore and archaeological museums have a special place.

The City Folklore Museum, for example, is located in the former Sidi Babana Mosque, whose original architecture incorporates elements of the “tubular vault” found in Bulla Regia. The museum has a fairly extensive collection of exhibits that tell about the local culture, arts and crafts that made this lake region famous. And of course, if you want to preserve the memory of your visit to this town, Moknin will provide you with a huge selection of unique handmade ceramics and jewelry.

The address: Moknine, Tunisia.