Monastir - hotels and accommodation

Transport – Monastir

The best means of transport in Tunisia is the railway. Monastir is located on the railway line Tunis – Sousse – Monastir – Mahdia – Gabès and the railway station is just next to local airport. The bus transport is available too and you can move around the city by taxi (as it is surprisingly cheap) .

Natural and historical monuments

Monastir is located at a historically strategic point of the country. It was first settled by Phoenician traders, whose settlement was later seized by the Romans. During the Roman Civil War (49-46 B.C.) Monastir was made the chief military headquarters for Northern Africa. At that time Emperor Julius Caesar ordered to build triple fortification around the city. By the end of the 8th century A.D., the Arabians founded the city or rather a fortified monastery named Ribat to defend the city itself. The Greek word for "monastery" - monasterion - was used for the name of the city of Monastir. Later Monastir became for some time the holiest Tunisian Islamic city. The Ribat in Monastir was still important during the Turkish period when it became a robust fortress. Just next to the Ribat there is a Great Mosque, built in the 9th century. The whole region of Monastir still keeps its ancient, enchanting character.

Tourist attractions

Monastir is located on the tip of the Hammamet Bay and it is surrounded with extremely beautiful Mediterranean beaches. There is a mausoleum to celebrate the first Tunisian President Habíb Bourguib, a native from Monastir. The museum, named after him, presents valuable exhibits of Islamic art. Not far from the city you may come across a well-known golf course.

Accommodation in Monastir

Nearly the whole coast towards Sousse is covered with three and four -star hotel facilities, most of them have their own swimming-pool.

Monastir: Reviews

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