What to visit in the monastery. Open left menu monastir
The tourist area of Skanes, taken out of the city, has allowed to preserve the authentic atmosphere of the city, where life flows in the same way as during the time of the first president of Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba. The head of state was born in Monastir and chose to rest here - as evidenced by the extravagant mausoleum, one of the most visited monuments of the city.
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How to get to Monastir
Air traffic in international airport Monastir named after Habib Bourguiba has decreased significantly with the opening of a new airport in Enfid, but direct charters from Russia still land here. The Tunisian carrier Nouvelair operates several flights a week during the season from Moscow Domodedovo and other cities of our vast country. If you landed in Enfid or the capital airport Tunis-Carthage, you can fly to Monastir on a domestic flight of the local airline Sevenair, which operates at least one flight a day between Tunis and Monastir. Travel time - 1 hour.
Monastir Airport is located directly in the tourist area of Skanes, 9 km from the city center. Some hotels are literally within walking distance; a taxi ride to the most remote will not take more than 5 minutes.
Flying up to Monastir, be sure to enjoy the view of multi-colored reservoirs for evaporating salt and, in winter, flocks of pink flamingos.
Inside the country, Monastir can be reached by minibus - "luage", intercity bus or train. There are two railway lines here - a large one connects Monastir with large remote cities, a small one, the so-called "metro du Sahel" - with Sousse and Mahdia, as well as a mass of villages on the way along the coast.
The main transport hub of the region is the city of Sousse, where "long-distance" buses, minibuses and trains stop. In this case, it is easy to get from Sousse to Monastir by taxi - 20 minutes and about 15 TND or a local "luage" with a payment of 1.2 TND.
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Transport in the city
The historical center of the city - the medina, the ribat, the mausoleum of Bourguiba and the yacht port can be seen on foot. If you are less hardy or just do not like to move on your own two, yellow taxis with a luminous number plate on the roof are waiting for you. Payment by meter; in general, within Monastir, the trip will cost no more than 3 TND, and the hotels of the Skanes resort area can be reached for 5-10 TND.
Also at the service of vacationers are steam locomotives plying from Monastir to Sousse via Skanes, tuk-tuks and horse-drawn carts. The cost is discussed with the driver before boarding, in general they ask about 5-15 TND.
Maps of Monastir
Weather forecast for Monastir
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Monastir Hotels
The number of rooms in the urban part of Monastir is for the most part not the newest multi-storey "three" with some interspersed with "fours", standing across the road from the sea. There is also a small number of very urban “triples” and “twos” - very budgetary, but also with an appropriate set of services.
In Skanes, the picture is much more fun - family "three-stars", a large selection of high-quality "fours" with very decent service, and several excellent "five"s with magnificent thalassotherapy centers.
The sea and the sun
The beaches of Monastir cannot be called outstanding - especially against the background of more successful in terms of "sandy nature" Hammamet, Mahdia or the island of Djerba. Accumulations of algae are not uncommon here, and the northern orientation of the coast of Skanes is expressed in frequent unrest in the water surface. So the seekers perfect sea it is better to pay attention to other resorts of the country. But budget travelers without any special claims to the transparency of the water and the gentle descent into the water should like it here.
The beaches of Skanes hotels are protected more or less carefully, but the local population willingly and successfully penetrates the beaches of hotels in the city. Public beaches in season (for example, opposite the Ribat) are full of envy Crimean resorts. However, if you come to Ribata beach early in the morning, you can enjoy a rare feeling - you emerge, and right in front of you rises a 12-century-old hulk.
5 things to do in Monastir
- Climb to the Ribat observation deck and view the surroundings of the city almost from a bird's eye view.
- See what is the right approach to the transition to another world, in the mausoleum of the first president of Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba.
- Have lunch at one of the fish restaurants in the cozy yacht port.
- Stock up on souvenirs for the home, for the family in the 4-storey Yasmina Center.
- Go early in the morning to the salt evaporation ponds and admire the pink flocks of flamingos.
Cuisine and restaurants of Monastir
The best restaurants of Monastir are concentrated in the port of pleasure yachts - a pretty little marina. Here you can try all kinds of fish and seafood dishes, get acquainted with the national cuisine in the form of salads, pies-briks, shorba soup, couscous and sweets, as well as refresh yourself with pan-European cooking - like spaghetti, pizza and sandwiches.
Also, do not neglect the "folk" restaurants in the city center - the food here is often tastier than in tourist-oriented establishments, and the dishes cost mere pennies. Useful tip: focus on the number of local people at the tables: they certainly won’t dine in a bad place.
Shopping and shops
Souvenirs from Monastir are no different from the general Tunisian ones: the same ceramics, leather and wooden products, pseudo-national clothes, cosmetic products based on olive oil and various trinkets, such as key chains, postcards and bonfires. All this can be bought at a fixed price in the largest souvenir supermarket - the four-story Yasmina Center, which is located in the medina of Monastir. The olive oil of the popular brand Ruspina is produced here - you should go to the supermarkets General, Monoprix and Carrefour for it.
Monastir
Entertainment and attractions of Monastir
In addition to the sights of the city of Monastir itself, vacationers in this resort have rich opportunities for visiting excursions, since the city is located almost at an equal distance from the sights of the capital and the sands of the Sahara, and the magnificent Roman amphitheater in El Jem is within easy reach.
In Monastir, first of all, it is worth visiting the medina - the old city. Her main architectural monuments - Grand Mosque(9 c), marble columns for construction which were taken from the ruins of ancient Roman Ruspina, and fortress walls with historical gates: the western Bab el-Gharbi were built in the 15th century by the Gafsid dynasty, the northeastern Bab Tunis saw the light at the end of the 18th century , and the southern Bab-Briksha - the creation of the Ottoman Turks at the end of the 17th century. Located near the eastern wall of the medina, the Museum of National Costume deserves a cursory inspection. The superbly preserved Ribat is an example of military Islamic architecture of the 8th-11th centuries. Once it was a haven for the Murabitin monks, who divided their lives between serving God and repelling the onslaught of enemies. Multiple reconstructions and additions have led to a very intricate structure of the corridors and halls of the Ribat. The prayer hall houses the Museum of Islamic Art.
A panoramic view of the city and the coast opens from the Ribat observation tower - do not be too lazy to overcome several dozen steep steps.
Mausoleum of Khabib Bourguiba is another architectural dominant of the city. A wide alley leads to the building with a golden dome and two minarets, and on both sides of it there is a city cemetery. Inside are marble sarcophagi of members of the Bourguiba family and a small museum displaying the personal belongings of the first president of Tunisia. The massive marble sarcophagus of Bourguiba itself with magnificent carvings and gold inlays is located in the central hall of the mausoleum, crowned with a dome. You can look at it from the inner balcony of the 2nd floor.
Bourguiba began to build his mausoleum long before his death - he accepted architectural projects, selected materials and planned the territory. This is what it means to be serious!
- What excursions can you go on on your own from Monastir
A distinctive feature of recreation in the Skanes area is the lack of entertainment within walking distance: tourists have to be content with either hotel animation or take a taxi to Sousse.
Leisure
Golf, horseback riding and scuba diving are the three main sports "chips" of Monastir. There are 2 world class golf courses in Skanes - Flamingo Golf Course and Golf Club Palm Links, both 18 holes. Landscape - olive and palm groves, hills, sand "bunkers" and lakes. The clubs have golf academies and 9-hole driving ranges.
Diving in Monastir is not as luxurious as, say, in Tabarka, but there is something to see underwater. The coast is predominantly sandy with small rocky areas, depths are from 5 to 20 m. In the waters of several uninhabited islands near the coast, it is convenient to observe shallow-water fauna: here you can see reefs and grottoes, see starfish, sea urchins, sponges and various algae.
Horse riding fans are welcome at the Skanes ranch. At their service are several sandy arenas, greenery and training grounds. There is a riding school, and for those who know how to stay in the saddle, horseback riding is offered along the coast - to Monastir or Sousse.
The city of Monastir is surrounded on all sides by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and the lion's share of the city's territory is occupied by beaches. In fact, it is the beaches that attract most tourists here. However, for those who come not only for sunbathing, Monastir is ready to offer much more.
For example, Ribat, located right on the coast, is one of the main Tunisian monuments of the Islamic era. Very close to Ribat is the magnificent mausoleum of Habib Bourguib, the first president of Tunisia. This building is an example of a harmonious mixture of traditional and modern Tunisian architecture.
Ribat
The most famous landmark of Monastir is located right by the sea. The Ribat of Monastir was built by Hartham ben Ayan in 796. Movie lovers will immediately recognize familiar features in this building: Monty Python's Life of Brian and several episodes of Franco Zeffirelli's Jesus of Nazareth were filmed here. Ribat in Monastir is one of the oldest fortresses in North Africa, along with Ribat in Sousse.
The southeastern side of the fortress is decorated with a three-story Nador tower, from the top of which a magnificent view of the harbor, the main mosque of Monastir, the Bourguib Mausoleum and the Medina opens.
An imposing gate in the western part of the Ribat leads to a courtyard surrounded on three sides by several floors of living quarters, storerooms and casemates, and the former prayer hall on the top floor now houses the Museum of Islam.
Photos of Ribat Monastir
Mausoleum of Khabib Bourguib (Mausoleum)
The giant mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba is located on the northern edge of the old cemetery. Its splendor, crowned with a golden dome, is a tribute to the first, after gaining independence from France, the president of Tunisia.
The building was erected in 1963 and houses the bodies of the former president and his family. Two twenty-five-meter minarets directed to the sky are made of Italian marble, and the facade is decorated with handmade tiles. The tomb itself is located under a stunning chandelier, in the middle of an interior shining with an abundance of glass decor.
Photo of the mausoleum of Bourguiba
Bourguiba Mosque
Monastir is the hometown of Habib Bourguib, which is why a mosque named after him was erected here. The architect Taieb Bouzguenda built the mosque in 1963. It was built on the model of the Hamud Pasha mosque in Tunisia and boasts a 41-meter-high octagonal minaret and a prayer hall that can accommodate up to a thousand people.
Nearby, on Rue Trabelsia, you can find the Musée du Mouvement National (Museum of the National Movement), dedicated to the history of Tunisia's struggle for independence from France.
Location: Rue de'l Independance
Photo mosque Bourguiba
Medina
The medina of Monastir (the old city) was painstakingly restored, but unfortunately much of its authentic charm was lost in the process of restoration. However, this area remains a great place for leisurely walks, especially if the beach is too hot. Market streets encourage endless shopping: handmade ceramics, leather and wood products, and silver are here.
Photo Medina Monastir
Muslim cemetery
In the northwest, just outside the walls of the Ribat, there is a cemetery. Its territory is strewn with a huge number of elegant ancient tombs. Many of them are decorated with faience tiles and painted in a circle with Kufic inscriptions. special attention deserves the tomb of Sidi el Mazeri, which was built in the 12th century.
Photo cemetery Monastir
Harbor
A picturesque promenade (called the Corniche) leads to the Port de Plaisance, where yachts sway sedately on the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. This is the best place for an evening walk at sunset. Just behind the harbor is the modern resort complex Village Touristique. There are local luxury hotels.
Photo harbor Monastir
Skanes
Skanes - the northern suburb of Monastir - is filled with expensive, dazzling white villas and luxurious hotels, rebuilt according to the canons of Tunisian architecture. The best beaches of Monastir are also located here, and the road to the tourist area of \u200b\u200bthe town runs near the former presidential palace hidden behind high walls and wrought iron gates.
Skanes Photos
The beaches of Monastir
Many consider the main attraction of Monastir to be its beaches with fine white sand. The city itself seems to be in the arms of the coast, surrounded by beaches on three sides. Perfect cleanliness is maintained on all beaches here, on all beaches there are toilets, showers, as well as restaurants, cafes, rental of umbrellas and sunbeds.
Some beaches are also equipped for water sports or offer rental of boats and boats - for those who are bored with just lying in the warm sun.
Photo Beaches of Monastir
costume museum
A small museum located in the Tourist Office of Monastir (ONTT) exhibits a collection of wedding dresses from all over Tunisia.
Address: ONTT Building, Rue de l'Independance
Main mosque
The mosque was built in the 9th century, and in the 11th century it was completed by the Zirid dynasty. It is located a little south of Ribat.
Sidi Dhouib Ribat
The small Ribat Sidi Dhouib is located between the main mosque and the Medina. Its first floor was rebuilt and restored.
Monine (Moknine)
The small town of Monaine was built on the shores of a salt lake and is famous for its high-quality ceramics and fine jewelry. In the city center there is a folklore museum, which occupied the former mosque of Sidi Babana. It is known not only for its exposition, but also for the original architecture of the building, which is an example of the “Tubi Fitilli” (Roman brick vaults) found in the Bulla Regia.
Location: 15km south of Monastir
Monastir on the map
History of Monastir
Salt lakes in Tunisia are the largest representatives of their kind in the world. Their area exceeds 7000 square meters.
Almost all year round, with rare exceptions, there is no water in the lakes, and then tourists are presented with a mysterious, to some extent unearthly beauty created by salt crystals. Since the lakes are located in the northern part of the Sahara Desert, a strong dry wind constantly blows here, so when going here, you should take care of protection from sand.
The local population near the lakes earns by selling salt roses to tourists, created by nature itself with the help of the wind.
Coordinates: 33.92513000,7.87719700
Mausoleum of Khabib Bourguiba
The mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba is located in the city of Monastir, opposite the Ribat fortress. The mausoleum is dedicated to the President of Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba.
This memorial complex was built in 1963. Since its construction, it has been expanded several times. The mausoleum began to be built during the life of Habib Bourguiba. It was erected at the burial place of the servants of Ribat.
The building has a golden dome, carved stone walls decorated with corals and blue ceramics, two high minarets and bronze gates. Near the mausoleum, richly decorated both outside and inside, you can see guardsmen of the guard of honor. Next to the sarcophagus of Habib Bourguiba are the burial places of his close relatives. There is a museum in the building, where photographs of the president of different years, his clothes and personal belongings are exhibited.
Coordinates: 35.77767100,10.82870000
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Monastir beach
The main value of Monastir, the resort town of Tunisia, is its beaches. All coastline, which belongs to the city, is landscaped, and numerous hotels and other tourist infrastructure are attached to it.
Monastir Beach is considered the "most-most": it is the longest - it stretches along the coast for more than 12 kilometers, the most famous, the most popular, the most fashionable. Hotels built along it have divided the beach into small zones and compete with each other in design and amenities.
In general, Monastir is almost an ideal option. budget holiday: the sand on the beach is fine and white, the terrain is flat, the sea is picturesque, the climate is warm.
Coordinates: 35.78091700,10.80100500
Le Grill Restaurant offers Tunisian as well as international cuisine. Tunisian grilled steak is amazing here.
The interior of the establishment is quite simple, but neat, and the food is exquisite, everything is prepared only from fresh and high-quality products.
The menu of this restaurant is varied, the atmosphere is conducive to a pleasant stay. Le Grill is most suitable for family dining. The staff is friendly, the waiters speak English. The prices of the dishes are quite consistent with their quality.
Coordinates: 35.77910700,10.83174100
Medina of Monastir
When traveling to Tunisia, be sure to visit the Medina and the Great Mosque of Monastir. Medina is the old part of the city. You can wander through the narrow streets with blue and white houses and feel the amazing atmosphere of the Arab world.
The territory of the Medina is surrounded by battlements, almost completely restored in the 17th and 18th centuries, you can go inside through the gates, of which there are only five, although there were originally twelve.
The beaches of Skanes
Skanes is a beautiful Tunisian resort that stretches along the coast for 6 km. This resort area offers a variety of recreation, ranging from active nightlife, with a variety of nightclubs for every taste, to cozy cafes under open sky, with coffee, hookah, amazing, exotic drinks.
The atmosphere of ease and lightness reigns in Skanes, everyone will find a suitable activity in this great place. Possible trips on yachts and horses, places with historically valuable monuments, scuba diving and a golf course - all these activities are located either in the resort itself or in its immediate vicinity.
In this resort there are many hotels with different numbers of stars, different features and highlights, so everyone can choose something suitable for themselves: a secluded place or a noisy one, a first-class room or an inexpensive but high-quality option.
The resort is decorated in a very interesting style: the developers resorted to old architectural techniques, which is why the resort takes us back in time and creates a wonderful traditional atmosphere of Tunisia in its old days.
Coordinates: 35.77040200,10.71385900
Habib Bourguiba Mosque
In Monastir, there is a mosque built in honor of the first president of Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba. The spacious prayer hall can accommodate up to a thousand worshipers. interior decorated with pink marble columns. The building was erected in 1963 - the mosque of Hammoud Pasha in the city of Tunisia was taken as a model.
Coordinates: 35.77437600,10.83050300
Monastir Marina
This is probably the busiest place in all of Monastir. And this is justified, because here, in addition to beautiful and often very unusual yachts, you can see the art of tattooists who work on the coast. By the way, Marina is even famous for the fact that the best tattoo artists of the city work here.
You can also have lunch at any of the restaurants that operate on the pier and taste dishes of Tunisian, French, Italian and other cuisines, in almost every one of them you can smoke a hookah.
From here you can also take a tour to Kuriat Island where you can go diving, fishing, have a picnic or even barbecue.
And, of course, you can not ignore the most popular entertainment: boat rental. From the boat you can enjoy the picturesque panorama of the city and the landscape of the sea.
Coordinates: 35.77960300,10.83313900
The most popular attractions in Monastir with descriptions and photos for every taste. choose best places for visiting famous places Monastery on our website.
More sights of Monastir
Like many coastal cities in Tunisia, Monastir has a medina, a defensive fort, ethnic museums and several mosques. It perfectly combines the archaic streets and ultra-modern hotel complexes, sandy beaches with developed infrastructure and a fortress from the first millennium. Tourists who come here also have the opportunity to go on numerous excursions outside the city or ride a yacht.
What to see in Monastir
Tours to Monastir
Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with departure from Moscow
Medina
The historical sights of Monastir are compactly located in the modern center of the city - the medina. Tourists love to wander through the narrow streets, taking pictures of the original decoration of buildings. Another reason to visit the medina is souvenir shopping. Here you can roam: there are oriental carpets, cheap gold, local ceramics, chasing, clothes for adults and children.
Mausoleum of Khabib Bourguiba
The mausoleum of the first president of Tunisia is located in the oldest monastic cemetery of Sidi el Mezri. This is a magnificent building with a golden dome and slender minarets, decorated with authentic ceramics and marble. The tomb and the museum attached to it are partially open to the public, admission is free, from Friday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:30. The mosque on the territory can accommodate up to a thousand believers.
Ribat Hartem
The hallmark of Monastir is the impressive fortification of the end of the 8th century - Ribat. The Tunisians themselves call it Ribat Hartem after the name of the general who gave rise to the construction of the largest fortress in North Africa. Ribat took its final shape already in the 19th century, now its area is 4.2 sq. km. The prayer room houses the Museum of Islamic Art with a stunning collection of ancient Arab coins, as well as ivory sculptures, ancient chronicles, ceramics and much more. Entrance to the Ribat is paid - 7 dinars.
great mosque
The historical picture of Monastir is complemented by the Great Mosque, built in the 9th century. Tourists can take beautiful photos of the building from the outside. You can also enter inside, but you will have to follow strict rules for visiting.
Marina
In the evening, tourists like to walk along the embankments of the city in the Skanes area - this is a recently built resort-neighbor of Monastir - to take pictures against the backdrop of snow-white beauties of yachts, to admire the sea from cafe tables. By the way, on a yacht you can ride to the island of Kuriat and go fishing on the high seas.
Tunisia is a small North African country with access to the Mediterranean Sea. This state has everything for quality beach holiday: long coastline, comfortable hotels in the cities of Sousse, Hammamet and Monastir, operating on an all-inclusive basis, evening and night entertainment offered by clubs and restaurants in resort areas.
There is one advantage that distinguishes Tunisia from other popular holiday destinations in the region - it is the universally developed thalassotherapy. Almost every hotel has modern spa salons that offer clients a variety of health and rejuvenation programs for very little money.
On the territory of Tunisia, many historical monuments of the period of domination of the Phoenicians, the Roman Empire, the accession of the Arabs and the rule of the Ottoman Empire have been preserved. The legacy of the French colonialists has a great influence in the country, thanks to which Tunisia remains a modern and progressive country, developing along a secular path.
Popular hotels and hostels at affordable prices.
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What to see in Tunisia?
The most interesting and Beautiful places, photos and a short description.
1. The ancient city of Carthage
The capital of the ancient Phoenician state, founded in 814 BC. Until 146 BC was the largest and most influential city in the entire western Mediterranean. After it was conquered and destroyed by Julius Caesar, it lost its significance. The remains of Carthage are located near the capital - the city of Tunis.
2. Amphitheater in El Jem
The Roman amphitheater built in 238, which was the largest in Africa and only slightly inferior in size to the Colosseum. Despite the destruction of previous centuries, the building has come down to us in a well-preserved form. Under the main arena is a whole underground city, where during the time of the gladiators were kept wild animals and fighters preparing for battle.
3. City of Sidi Bou Said
A small picturesque town 17 km. from the capital. The architecture of the buildings repeats the ornaments of traditional Arab settlements. Since 1915, according to the decree of the authorities, it was forbidden to build modern buildings here so as not to violate the authentic appearance. For tourists, Sidi Bou Said is an attraction, for local residents it is just an ordinary city.
4. Sahara Desert in Tunisia
This huge desert occupies almost 30% of the territory of the state. Its vast expanses are almost uninhabited, only Bedouin tribes periodically roam from place to place. For tourists, the Sahara is popular place- Jeep safaris and excursions to Bedouin settlements are arranged here.
5. Bardo National Museum
Museum complex in a beautiful old building of the 17th century. in the suburbs of the city of Tunis. Along with the National Museum of Egypt, it is considered the best and largest in North Africa. In 12 halls exhibits of various eras are presented, telling about the Phoenician, Roman, Christian and Arab past of the country.
6. The ancient city of Dugga
The ruins of an ancient Roman city, where more than 25 thousand people lived centuries ago. Well-preserved temples, theaters, fountains, necropolises and mausoleums have survived to this day. On the stone pavements there are even traces of chariots that once passed here. A visit to Dugga can give a comprehensive picture of the life of a large ancient city.
7. The ancient city of Kerkuan
Remains of a Punic settlement of the 6th century. BC. This is the only surviving example of Phoenician-Punic architecture, so it is of particular historical value. The city was destroyed by the Romans in the 3rd century. BC, the ruins were discovered already in the 20th century. Kerkuan is included in the UNESCO heritage list.
8. Gellala Village
Located in the south of the island of Djerba. This is a settlement of local artisans who communicate with each other in the Berber language and make pottery using ancient technologies. There are about 450 workshops in the village where pots, jugs, dishes, spice containers, vases and vessels are made.
9. Cave city of Matmata
A Berber town where the older generation of this nomadic people lives in caves. Rooms are dug right into the rocks, some "houses" are two- and three-story. This way of building housing was dictated by the harsh desert conditions. During unbearable heat and sandstorms, cave dwellers feel quite comfortable inside their homes.
10. Medina of Tunisia
Represents historical Center the capital city of Tunis. It is an interweaving of old squares, market stalls, narrow stone streets and traditional neighborhoods where the ignorant can easily get lost. In Medina, you can admire the cozy courtyards and ancient mosques that have been standing here for more than one hundred years.
11. Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul
Tunis Christian Cathedral, located opposite the French embassy. The cathedral was built twice - in 1881 and in 1893, since during the first construction some geological features were not taken into account and the building collapsed. The building is owned by the Catholic Church under a 1964 treaty.
12. El Ghriba Synagogue
Jewish temple on the island of Djerba, one of the oldest shrines in the world. Its age is more than 2000 years, Jews from all over the world constantly make pilgrimages to these places. The synagogue houses the manuscript of one of the oldest sacred Jewish books, the Torah. The relics of St. Shimon Bar Yashai (author of the Talmud) are also buried here.
13. Mausoleum of Khabib Bourguiba
The tomb of the first president of independent Tunisia, located in Monastir. Thanks to H. Bourguiba, the country became independent from France in the middle of the 20th century. It is an imposing building in the traditional Maghreb style - a large gilded dome, tall minarets and Moorish archways.
14. Mosque of Ukba
One of the largest mosques in Tunisia, located in Kairouan. The history of the temple began in the 7th century, when the first small building was erected under the supervision of the Arab commander Ukba ibn Nafi. For a long time, Uqba was a place of pilgrimage for Muslims who could not get to Mecca. According to one of the ancient fatwas, visiting this mosque seven times was equivalent to visiting Mecca once.
15. Al-Zaytuna Mosque (Olive Mosque)
The main mosque of the country and the only temple, which is open to representatives of other religions. In the XII-XIV centuries. the building housed the university of Islamic law and the study of the Koran. At lectures in a spacious prayer hall, 10 thousand listeners gathered. This is the oldest and most revered mosque in the city of Tunisia.
16. Ribat Fortress in Monastir (Ribat Khartem)
Construction of the VIII century, which served as a defense against attacks from the sea and land. This powerful structure is quite well preserved due to repeated restoration in recent years. Now tourists are allowed into the fortress, who can admire Monastir and its surroundings from the upper observation platforms.
17. Ribat fortress in Sousse
It also served to protect against attacks from the Berbers from the desert and the Gentiles from the sea. Ribat was built in the form of a square with semicircular towers on the sides. The fortress gave shelter to travelers and merchants fleeing danger. From one of the watchtowers opens scenic view to the seaport of Sousse and the old town.
18. Kelibia Fortress
The oldest city-fort, built in the V-III centuries. BC, is the same age as Carthage. Located 100 km. from the capital of the country. Apart from historical value, tourists are attracted by the best beach in Tunisia, El Mansour, and excellent seafood restaurants located here.
19. Phrygia Zoo
One of the most visited places by tourists is located in the suburbs of Hammamet. It contains more than 50 species of birds and animals. Guests can admire representatives of the African fauna: flamingos, lemurs, crocodiles, cheetahs, lions and swans. It will also be interesting to look at the show with the participation of dolphins and fur seals.
20. Atlas Mountains
A mountain system that begins in Tunisia and continues along the Algerian and Moroccan coasts. The most high peak chain reaches a height of 4000 meters. Coniferous forests grow here, waterfalls rustle and deep canyons gape with an abyss. Equipped for tourists viewing platforms in picturesque places.
21. Ishkel National Park
A small nature reserve, most of which is occupied by Lake Ishkel. It was created in order to preserve the unique ecosystem of the reservoir and surrounding areas. Several species of migratory and waterfowl winter here. In the reserve, a typical Mediterranean landscape pleases the eye: olive and pistachio groves, juniper and acacia thickets.
22. Djerba Island
A famous resort and the warmest place in Tunisia. Due to the fact that Djerba is located south of the main tourist areas, the water and air are always a couple of degrees warmer here, the season lasts a little longer. The infrastructure of the island is well developed - it offers restaurants, modern hotels and a variety of entertainment.
23. Lake Chott El Jerid
Huge lake covered with salt crust. Its area is almost 250 km². The reservoir is famous for the fact that bizarre salt crystals shimmer in different colors depending on the angle of the falling sunlight. It's a picturesque and breathtaking sight locals and guests like to visit the lake in winter, when it is already cool in the north of the country.
24. The remains of the scenery for "Star Wars"
It was in Tunisia that episodes of the famous saga were filmed. In the Sahara desert, the distant world of the planet Tatooine (named after the local town) was created by George Lucas. Until now, the location of the filming remains the grandiose scenery for the film, which has become a popular tourist attraction.
25. Souq el-Juma Market
A colorful bazaar typical of this area, where after an exciting bargain you can buy interesting ceramics, Berber jewelry, scarves, incense, spices and a thousand other useful things. The market is known for the fact that Tunisian potters have been selling their work here since the 16th century.
