Sights Monastir, Tunisia

Like most modern cities in Tunisia, Monastir is on the site of the ancient Phoenician city - colony Eng Penn (later - Roman Ruspinna), founded in V century BC. In the V century AD, the Byzantines built a strong fortress here to protect the commercial port, which is why in the name of the city feel the influence of Christianity.

Over the coastline of the city dominated Ribat. Ribat - a fortification end of VIII century, which later became part of the mighty fortress-casbah. Ribat is considered an important relic. According to legend, just three days of service in it, to achieve eternal bliss. Those who could not serve in Ribat, would at least be buried in its walls. Therefore, contrary Ribat is a huge cemetery. In 1963 part of the cemetery has been allocated for the construction of the Mausoleum of the family Bugriba.

Every Friday mosque prayer hall in the morning is filled with incense. On the territory of Ribat, or rather between its male and female parts in a former mosque houses the Museum of Islam. In his exhibition presents examples of wood carving of the Great Mosque of Kairouan, the ancient chronicle, bone carving, sacred papyrus, gold and silver coins, ceramics, fabrics, Persian miniatures. Among the exhibits are also astrolabe of Cordoba and filigree glass Fatimid era.

In the central square is a memorial to Monastir mortar - one of two facilities in the form of open polyhedra. Nearby stands majestically mausoleum of President Habib Bourguiba - the tomb of carved stone, decorated with blue ceramic fragments and parts of Carrara marble.