Tunisian resort Monastir is a city with an ancient history, located on the Mediterranean coast near Sousse and Hammamet . Once it was a small Roman settlement called Ruspina. Its current name was given to the city by the Latin word Monasterium, which means "monastery". This name Monastir owes to the mosques built here in ancient times and glorified the city as the religious capital of Tunisia.
In our time, Monastir is a pretty resort place. Hot beaches, rich choice of oriental bazaars, the possibility of active recreation and the most interesting sights make Monastir one of the most visited cities in Tunisia. Let's find out what the tourists who have already visited Tunisia recommend to see in Monastir.
Ribat
The center of the old Monastir is called "medina". Here you can see one of the main attractions of the city - Ribat. It is a military fortress with a naval lighthouse, in the Middle Ages, guarding Monastir from enemy attacks. Ribat is an excellent example of Muslim architecture from the VIII-XI centuries. Built for a long time, the building is a complex system of intricate corridors and passages. Earlier in this fortress there lived monastery mourabitins, therefore its building can be rightly attributed to the category of religious buildings.
Monastir Mosques
While in Tunisia, visit the two most popular mosques here.
The Great Mosque is an interesting structure that does not have a dome. It was built in the IX century AD, and the columns in its arches are even more ancient. In the city there is also a modern mosque with a huge prayer hall. It is named after the first President of Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba. He was a local native and was buried here, in Monastir, in a specially constructed mausoleum in 1963. The latter is located on the territory of the city cemetery and is decorated with marble and precious metals.
Museums in Monastir
The Museum of Islamic Art is located in the above mentioned Rebate Fortress. There are permanent expositions of ancient Arab handicrafts made of wood, glass, clay. Also you can see what kind of clothes the ancient Tunisians used to wear jewelry.
The museum of traditional clothes is no less interesting. In its halls are exhibited both simple and exquisite outfits, embroidered with gold and precious stones. You will not see such a variety in clothes in any other city of Tunisia.
Popular entertainment in Monastir
Arriving in Monastir, each of us wants to see as many of Tunisia's attractions as possible. The best way for this is to visit the Monastir sightseeing tour. Usually such a review includes a walking tour to the old city, visiting mosques and a mausoleum, as well as sailing to the nearby uninhabited island of Kuriat. If you want to get acquainted with the local beauties on your own, be sure to visit the embankment near the yacht port, the ancient cemetery of Sidi-el-Mezeri, take a look at the monument to Habib Bourguibou. All the sights of Monastir can be seen in 1-2 days.
For lovers of outdoor activities there is also a place. Bays with transparent water will be liked by fans of scuba diving: here you can observe the life of shallow marine life. Also in Monastir, in almost every hotel there are mini water parks - in Tunisia it is a very popular type of recreation. Those who prefer equestrian sports will also have something to do. Educational sites, sand arenas and country horse riding will leave an unforgettable impression! Also in Monastir there are golf courses - popular local entertainment.