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Ribat of Monastir

Ribat of Monastir

Ribat of Monastir
4.5
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  • Pardubitzer
    Pardubice, Czech Republic81 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a beautiful Ribat
    Dominant of the city of Monastir lying above the sea coast (a few steps above the sea to be honest). For a few dinars (be careful, they don't accept Euros at the cash desk!) you can explore all the corners of Ribat, and that there are a lot of them! There´s also an interesting exhibition of local artefacts inside. Don´t forget to climb on the tower, it's a bit of an adventure, but the reward for the climb in the form of a view of the city is great (those with vertigo should consider the climb though). Be sure not to be lazy to visit other viewpoints, but especially the viewpoint located above the stairs without any railings is only for those who are not afraid of it :D.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 7, 2023
  • Maz403
    Birmingham, United Kingdom346 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing
    Wow ! Incredible how they built this huge castle in 800 a.d. Feels like it should stand forever- awe inspiring. Climb up the top of the tower is a must but prepare to press against the side of the steep spiral staircase if anyone is coming the other way !
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written November 8, 2023
  • B T
    London, United Kingdom1,258 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tower gives good views
    It doesn’t cost that much for admission. You can walk round the courtyard and climb up to the different levels. There is a tower in one corner that you can also climb for good views at the top. It’s interesting to visit both ribats at Monastir and Sousse as this one has been extended, you can see when walking around the inner part that would have been the original ribat.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written February 3, 2024
  • fartoomanyusers
    London, United Kingdom437 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not for Health & Safety fans!
    A seriously impressive building - so many different levels to explore, so many different nooks and crannies to look in! And great views over the town and out to sea. Just mind the kids on the open staircase! The museum and Ribat are now just have one entrance - on the outside of the building there are signs to a separate museum entrance, but that's not currently in use. The museum is just one large room, but it does have some interesting exhibits. Although quite a few items are currently being restored, so not on display (which may explain why the museum doesn't have a separate entrance). The tower is quite narrow and dark, so you may want to use the light from your phone to help see the steps. Definitely worth a visit.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 26, 2024
  • Nicholas T
    Uckfield, United Kingdom23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth a visit.
    Really interesting place to visit. Good information (although lots not in English). Well preserved and amazing views from high battlements and tower (although steps up there are pretty uneven: and at the top, the “guard rails” are non-existent!) Entry only 7TND (about £1.75). Recommended: especially if you’re a fan of Monty Python’s “Life of Brian”: they filmed some famous bits of it here.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 3, 2024
  • johnhboy
    Guildford, United Kingdom113 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Step back in time
    A amazing step back in time . Only 8 dinar bargain you can spend a good hour or so here walking around exploring all the little rooms and amazing views from the top of the tower. very friendly and informative staff
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written April 16, 2024
  • Dirk W
    Alexandra Headland, Australia10,118 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well preserved
    Originally this fortress was built late 8th century, but many alterations and additions followed later. You can climb the main watchtower which was used to exchange messages with neighboring ribats in times of danger ; it is a bit of a work-out on the narrow spiral staircase, but the views on top are worth it. This ribat is in remarkably good condition and it is not clear which parts are original or renovated.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written May 21, 2024
  • Bahri Soussi
    Monastir, Tunisia51 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historic Gem in Monastir! 🏯
    The Ribat of Monastir is an incredible ancient fortress not to be missed. Exploring the beautifully preserved walls, towers and chambers transports you back centuries. The highlight is the stunning Mediterranean Sea views from the terraces - perfect for catching those famous Tunisian sunsets. The friendly guides provide great historical insights into this unique cultural treasure. A must-see for history buffs or anyone wanting an glimpse into Tunisia's fascinating past!
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written June 4, 2024
  • RozikaTD
    London, United Kingdom7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Scenic Castle in Monastir
    The Ribat is the castle at Monastir. It has lovely views overlooking the Marina and Harbour ad well as the beach. The tour guide showed me the original roman ruins and showed the mosque next to the castle. The entry fee to the Ribat is currently 8 TND. You also overlook the #IloveMonastir signage right outside. Tip: At the weekend - you have the ladies who do the hand henna painting sitting outside the Ribat.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written September 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles767 reviews
Excellent
407
Very good
272
Average
70
Poor
12
Terrible
6

Pardubitzer
Pardubice, Czech Republic81 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
Dominant of the city of Monastir lying above the sea coast (a few steps above the sea to be honest). For a few dinars (be careful, they don't accept Euros at the cash desk!) you can explore all the corners of Ribat, and that there are a lot of them! There´s also an interesting exhibition of local artefacts inside. Don´t forget to climb on the tower, it's a bit of an adventure, but the reward for the climb in the form of a view of the city is great (those with vertigo should consider the climb though). Be sure not to be lazy to visit other viewpoints, but especially the viewpoint located above the stairs without any railings is only for those who are not afraid of it :D.
Written October 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RozikaTD
London, UK7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Solo
The Ribat is the castle at Monastir. It has lovely views overlooking the Marina and Harbour ad well as the beach. The tour guide showed me the original roman ruins and showed the mosque next to the castle. The entry fee to the Ribat is currently 8 TND. You also overlook the #IloveMonastir signage right outside. Tip: At the weekend - you have the ladies who do the hand henna painting sitting outside the Ribat.
Written September 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

B T
London, UK1,258 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Solo
It doesn’t cost that much for admission. You can walk round the courtyard and climb up to the different levels. There is a tower in one corner that you can also climb for good views at the top. It’s interesting to visit both ribats at Monastir and Sousse as this one has been extended, you can see when walking around the inner part that would have been the original ribat.
Written February 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

fartoomanyusers
London, UK437 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Friends
A seriously impressive building - so many different levels to explore, so many different nooks and crannies to look in! And great views over the town and out to sea. Just mind the kids on the open staircase!

The museum and Ribat are now just have one entrance - on the outside of the building there are signs to a separate museum entrance, but that's not currently in use. The museum is just one large room, but it does have some interesting exhibits. Although quite a few items are currently being restored, so not on display (which may explain why the museum doesn't have a separate entrance).

The tower is quite narrow and dark, so you may want to use the light from your phone to help see the steps.

Definitely worth a visit.
Written March 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Haytham Abu Firas
Qatar21,204 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Friends
The biggest Ribat or Fortress, in the North Africa, built in 797 AD, by the order of Abbasid Khalifa Haroun El Rashid, to protect the city from any invasion from the sea. 33 meter minaret or watchtower, 86 stair steps. It’s the biggest and oldest Ribat in the region.
Written October 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bahri Soussi
Monastir, Tunisia51 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Family
The Ribat of Monastir is an incredible ancient fortress not to be missed. Exploring the beautifully preserved walls, towers and chambers transports you back centuries.

The highlight is the stunning Mediterranean Sea views from the terraces - perfect for catching those famous Tunisian sunsets.

The friendly guides provide great historical insights into this unique cultural treasure. A must-see for history buffs or anyone wanting an glimpse into Tunisia's fascinating past!
Written June 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nicholas T
Uckfield, UK23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Family
Really interesting place to visit. Good information (although lots not in English).

Well preserved and amazing views from high battlements and tower (although steps up there are pretty uneven: and at the top, the “guard rails” are non-existent!)

Entry only 7TND (about £1.75).

Recommended: especially if you’re a fan of Monty Python’s “Life of Brian”: they filmed some famous bits of it here.
Written April 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David B
Bruce, Australia996 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
As far as old forts go, this is one of the best. It is easy to walk all over. You can even climb the high tower. There is a small museum inside with some artefacts and some interpretation. The space is used for concerts.
Written August 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Monedos
18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Couples
Simply mind blowing architecture. Intricate architectural masterpiece. Great challenge climbing to the top of the tower. Great excitement reaching the top. Great satisfaction seeing the view below.
Written December 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Diane The Traveller
United Kingdom92 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • Couples
A well preserved Ribat in the centre of Monastir. Entry fee is 8 dinar. There are good views of the coast from the walls, but walk up the tower which is only about 80 plus steps and you can get good 360 degree views. The top of the tower only accommodates about 4 or 5 people, so is very cosy. I thought it was easily worth the entrance fee.
Written November 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Ribat of Monastir

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