Monastir

In the ancient times the city was a Phoenician port called Ruspina. It was one of the main military bases of the Roman commander Caesar.

Its modern name was produced from a Latin word Monasterium - monastery. After the destruction of the city of Kairouan, the forth in significance sacred place of the Moslem world beside Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem, Monastir took the place of a religious center of the country. Indeed, the main stream of Moslem pilgrims is coming here.

The main historical sightseeing of Monastir is Ribat Hartem - a fortification of the 7th century which became a part of a strong fortress later; in the medieval period it protected the city. Coming up to its high tower on the steep winding stairs, you can see an exciting panoramic view of the city and of the coast. On the territory of Ribat, in a former mosque, there is the Museum of Islam now.

Nor far from Ribat there is a museum-mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba - the first Tunisian President who has ruled the country for 41 years; in 1956 he has liberated Tunisia from French colonialism. Since 1956, taking the European model of society for the base, he had spent some reforms: obligatory secondary education, social protection, prohibition on polygamy, equal rights for men and women and others. The President of Tunisia tenderly loved his mother, that's why his first reforms were oriented to the welfare of women. In 1963 they created a mosque for Habib Bourguiba; its prayers' hall houses up to a thousand people at once.

Beside sacred places, there is one more centre of pilgrimage of local citizens and villagers. It is… a city market. It works every day except Monday. There is a unique assortment of fresh sea fish and different sea fruits here. The fish market of Monastir is one of the largest and the best in the resort region of Sousse - Monastir - Hammamet - Nabeul.

Nowadays, Monastir is a cozy port and a big university and tourist center. In 10 km from the city there is an international airport - one of seven international airports of the country.