Monastir

★★ Monastir — Habib Bourguiba's Hometown

Monastir is inextricably linked with Habib Bourguiba — the "Father of Tunisian Independence," who was born here in 1903 and made the city his prestige project. Wide boulevards, an oversized mausoleum, and a palace by the sea testify to the megalomania and at the same time the modernization achievements of the man who freed Tunisia from France.

★★★ Ribat of Monastir

The Ribat of Monastir (796 AD) is one of the oldest and most impressive of its kind. Originally a small fortress, it was expanded over centuries and served as a defensive structure, place of prayer, and — thanks to its photogenic walls — as a film set: "Life of Brian" (Monty Python) and "Jesus of Nazareth" (Zeffirelli) were partially filmed here.

From the watchtower, there is a spectacular view over the harbor, the old town, and the golden mausoleum of Bourguiba.

At the Old Port. 8 TND. Tue–Sun 8:00–18:00.

★★ Bourguiba Mausoleum

The splendid mausoleum with its golden dome and slender minarets is visible from afar. Habib Bourguiba (1903–2000), Tunisia's first president, is buried here. The complex with the well-kept cemetery, marble colonnades, and richly decorated burial chamber deliberately recalls oriental rulers' tombs.

Av. Habib Bourguiba. Free entry. Daily 9:00–16:30.

Monastir as a Seaside Resort

The beaches of Monastir are less spectacular than in Hammamet or Djerba, but the beach of Skanes (5 km north) offers fine sand and calm water. Here, the large package hotels line up.

Arrival: Louage from Sousse (30 min, 1.50€). Train from Sousse (20 min, 1€). Monastir-Habib Bourguiba Airport (MIR) is 9 km away.