What is there to do in Monastir? Climb the Ribat, the oldest fortress of its kind in North Africa, founded in 796 and later a film set for Monty Python’s “Life of Brian”; visit the golden-domed mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia’s first president; stroll the medina and the marina; and swim from the beaches along the bay. Monastir is a calm seaside town on the Sahel coast with its own international airport, 20 minutes from Sousse. This guide covers the main sights, beaches, day trips and how to plan a visit.
Planning a trip? See our complete Tunisia travel guide and our guide to things to do in Sousse.
Monastir at a glance
| Where | The Sahel coast of eastern Tunisia, about 20 km south of Sousse |
|---|---|
| Known for | The Ribat, the Bourguiba Mausoleum, beaches and the marina |
| Airport | Monastir Habib Bourguiba International, a few minutes from town |
| Time needed | Half a day for the sights; a few days for beaches and day trips |
| Best time | May to October for beaches; spring and autumn for sightseeing |
The Ribat of Monastir
The Ribat is Monastir’s landmark: a fortified monastery on the seafront, founded in 796 by Harthama ibn A’yan, the Abbasid governor of the region, and the oldest ribat built during the Arab conquest of North Africa. Warrior-monks lived and prayed here while guarding the coast.
- The watchtower: climb about 100 steps of a spiral staircase for a view over the town, the bay and the old cemetery.
- The courtyards and cells, where the garrison lived.
- The prayer hall, with a collection of historic objects.
- A film set: Monty Python’s “Life of Brian” was filmed here, and fans still come to find the scenes.
The Bourguiba Mausoleum
Habib Bourguiba, who led Tunisia to independence in 1956 and was its first president, was born in Monastir. His mausoleum, with its gold dome and twin minarets, stands at the end of a long esplanade beside the old cemetery. Inside are his tomb and family graves and displays of personal belongings. Nearby is the Bourguiba Mosque, and the former presidential palace sits on the coast.
More things to do in Monastir
Beyond the Ribat and the mausoleum, Monastir has a small medina, a marina and good beaches.
- The medina: a small walled old town with shops and cafés.
- The marina (Cap Monastir): boats, seafood restaurants and an evening promenade.
- The beaches: the town beach by the Ribat and the hotel beaches of Skanes.
- The Kuriat Islands: boat trips to two small islands offshore with clear water and beaches.
Day trips from Monastir
Monastir is a good base for day trips along the Sahel coast and inland.
- Sousse: its UNESCO medina and mosaic museum, about 30 minutes away.
- El Jem: the Roman amphitheater, about an hour away. See our guide to Roman ruins in Tunisia.
- Mahdia: a peaceful fishing town with an old quarter on a headland.
- Kairouan: the holy city and its Great Mosque, inland.
How to get to Monastir
Monastir is easy to reach, with its own airport and a train line to Sousse.
- By air: Monastir airport has flights from Europe, especially in summer.
- By train: the Sahel metro line links Monastir with Sousse and Mahdia.
- From Tunis: about two hours by motorway, or by train via Sousse.
- In town: the center is walkable; taxis are easy to find.
Travel with a local guide
Simsem’s Tunisia host, Mohamed Ben Naceur, runs tours in Monastir and from Monastir to El Jem:
Monastir: History, Medina and Coastal Walk
The Ribat of Monastir, the Bourguiba Mausoleum, the medina and the seafront with a local guide.
El Jem Amphitheater Private Tour
A private trip from Sousse or Monastir to the great Roman amphitheater of El Jem, a UNESCO site.
Quad Bike and Camel Ride near Sousse
Quad biking and a camel ride in the countryside outside Sousse and Monastir.
See all Tunisia experiences on Simsem.
FAQ
What is Monastir famous for?
Its Ribat, founded in 796, the mausoleum of President Habib Bourguiba, and its beaches and marina.
Was “Life of Brian” filmed in Monastir?
Yes. Monty Python’s “Life of Brian” was filmed at the Ribat of Monastir.
How far is Monastir from Sousse?
About 20 km, roughly 30 minutes by road or by the Sahel metro train.
Is Monastir worth visiting?
Yes. It is quieter than Sousse, with a beautiful Ribat, a historic mausoleum and good beaches.
Who is buried in the Bourguiba Mausoleum?
Habib Bourguiba, the leader of Tunisia’s independence movement and the country’s first president, along with members of his family.
Can you visit El Jem from Monastir?
Yes. El Jem is about an hour away, an easy half-day trip.
Sources
- Wikipedia — Ribat of Monastir
- Wikipedia — Monastir, Tunisia
- Wikipedia — Habib Bourguiba
- Wikimedia Commons — photographs credited in each caption
.jpg){kind=link}
