Monastir is mostly known to foreign visitors as a resort destination, with many large commercial hotel complexes along the coastline catering mainly to package holiday tourists. Outside of that, however, Monastir is a pleasant, liberal seafront city with some interesting sights that can easily be explored on foot. Monastir is the birthplace of Tunisia’s first president, as well as boasting the largest and grandest fortress in the region. Explore central Monastir with this quick and easy self-guided walking tour.
Start at the louage station – from here you can get easy, cheap and convenient transport to Sousse, Tunis, Sfax and many other places in Tunisia. If you are unfamiliar with louages in Tunisia, check out my blog post here!
From the louage station, you will be able to see the walls surrounding the medina, enter the medina via Rue de Tunis.
1st Stop: Monastir medina
The word ‘medina’ in Tunisia refers to a historic walled city. Medinas vary in their size and nature throughout Tunisia. Some, like the famous Tunis medina, are mainly commercial with a maze of narrow, sprawling alleyways. Others, like the medinas in Tozeur or Bizerte, are mainly residential. The medina in Monastir has a mixture of both commercial and residential uses. This medina is unlike many others in Tunisia as it is not pedestrianised. It is almost more like a Western-style town centre than a stereotypical medina such as the one in Tunis. Take a walk through the medina and experience everyday life in action in Monastir. When you’re done, head out of the Eastern gate to the Bourguiba Mosque.
A typical evening scene in the medina
2nd Stop: Bourguiba Mosque
This grand mosque (also known as the Hanafi Mosque of Bourguiba) was built in 1963 and is the largest in Monastir. Confusingly, this is not the Great Mosque which is located next to the Ribat. This mosque is named in honour of Tunisia’s first president and Monastir’s most famous son, Habib Bourguiba. While it was not possible for non-Muslims to enter the mosque when we visited, you can admire the building from the outside and hear the adhan (call to prayer) booming loudly from the minaret.
After checking out the mosque, turn left to see the long walkway leading to the Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba.
3rd Stop: Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba
Habib Bourguiba is a revered figure in Tunisia and is considered to be the father of the modern nation. He led the country to independence from France in 1956 and then served as president of the new independent nation for 30 years until 1987. Bourguiba was a native of Monastir and this grand mausoleum is a testament to his importance to the Tunisian people.
It is possible to enter the mausoleum through an entrance at the right hand side of the building, entrance is free and foreign visitors are welcome but it is obviously necessary to be respectful while visiting. The mausoleum contains a small exhibit relating to Bourguiba’s life with some of his personal belongings, as well as his tomb.
The long walkway to the Mausoleum
After visiting the mausoleum, head for the ribat.
4th Stop: Ribat of Monastir
The ribat of Monastir is unmissable, towering over Monastir’s coastline, marina and beach. A ribat is an Islamic fortress – many of these were built throughout North Africa’s coastline from the 8th century AD onwards as religious centres and to watch and defend from any attacks from the sea. The ribat in Monastir is the largest of these forts and is an imposing structure even today. This ribat had many different uses and occupants throughout history, and in modern years has even been used as a filming location for Hollywood movies.
It is possible to enter the ribat and explore the sprawling complex of staircases and rooms, there is also a small museum exhibit with some historical items and Islamic art. The most notable feature of the ribat is its watchtower – climb to the top for a fantastic panoramic view of Monastir, the bay and surrounding coastline. Entrance to the ribat is from the southeast side of the building, there is a small entrance fee so make sure you have a couple of TND handy!
The ribat at dusk
5th Stop: Great Mosque of Monastir
The Great Mosque is located directly opposite the entrance to the ribat. Ironically this is no longer the biggest mosque in Monastir following the construction of the Bourguiba Mosque, but it has far more history as it dates back to the 9th century AD. The Great Mosque is still an important worship centre for local people, it was not possible for tourists to enter during our visit however the building is well-maintained and can be admired from the outside.
The Great Mosque but only the second grandest
6th Stop: Port of Monastir (Marina cap Monastir)
Finish your walk at the marina of Monastir. Home to both humble fishing boats and fancy international yachts, here you can find a variety of upmarket restaurants and facilities for the wealthier boating class. The marina has crystal-clear waters and it is often possible to spot shoals of fish, or large murmurations of seabirds in the air. At the north-west side of the marina across the main road is a small beach – from here, on a clear day it is possible to see around the coastline to the city of Sousse.
Impressive view of Monastir Marina as seen from the ribat
For more Tunisia travel inspiration, check out my Tunisia page.
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