Ribat of Monastir

4.6
(3020)
•
4.4
(784)
4.6
(3020)
•
4.4
(784)
•#2 on "Top 45 things to do and attractions in Monastir"
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Historical landmark
Museum
Ancient Ruins
Castles
Placeholder

About

The Ribat of Monastir is a well-preserved 8th-century coastal fort that now houses the Museum of Islamic Art. It was originally built as a fortified Islamic monastery and is considered the first example of a ribat on the African continent. The fortress has historical significance, having been used by soldier monks to pray and fight invaders during the Arab Abbasid dynasty. Over time, it has also served as a filming location for notable productions like Jesus of Nazareth.
Why you should go
    1
  1. Explore a historic Islamic defensive structure dating back to the Muslim conquest of the Maghreb
    2. 2
  2. Enjoy picturesque views of Monastir from the top of the tower next to the flag
    3. 3
  3. Capture stunning photos in the beautiful courtyard and surrounding area
Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Learn more
What users say about the app
Love love love! ❤️ Planning travel has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app.
J
Julie G.
Exactly what I needed to plan a trip. I can’t imagine anyone not loving this app!
J
Jen S.
Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. Seriously, this app does it all!
B
Brad C.
This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! I can’t recommend it enough!
A
Amanda W.
Amazing!! The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders.
G
Garrett V.
This is the crème de la crème of planning apps! Don’t think about it - just click download right this minute.
C
Chris C.

Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Highlighted reviews

Slide 1 of 3
100% worth the money spent! 8 dinar for adults and 2 dinar for children. So many alleyway and hidden rooms to discover. Plenty of places to also get away from the sun. The tower at the top gives you great views but be careful the safety barriers on top are missing. Toilet facilities are also provided. Must better than Ribat of Sousse.
The Ribat of Monastir is a historical site with some notable features, though it has its drawbacks. The entrance fee for adults is 8 Dinars. One of the highlights of visiting the Ribat is that it's great for taking pictures, offering picturesque views of the surrounding area. Many visitors also appreciate looking at the view from the structure. The beautiful courtyard provides a pleasant and photogenic space to explore. However, it's important to be aware that the Ribat has tight and narrow spaces. This can be dangerous, especially when climbing up the stairs where you might encounter other people coming in the opposite direction. Additionally, if you're tall, be careful of head height in some areas. For those interested in museums, the museum within the Ribat is very small and boring. On a practical note, the Ribat has toilet facilities. In summary: The Ribat of Monastir offers some lovely views and photo opportunities, particularly within its beautiful courtyard. However, visitors should be mindful of the potentially dangerous tight spaces and low head heights. The museum on-site is unlikely to be a highlight.
A castle by the sea. Big walls, gates, a sea gate .With a tower that, from the top of a narrow winding stair ,affords an amazing view. Cramped at the top , beware girls taking selfies and blocking the view. Nice and clean. Lots of levels, steps up to the fire step ,lookout areas ,guardrooms . Narrow steps ,no handrails and some very dark areas (Great fun if you do not worry about H and S) The Monty Python "Life of Brian" was filmed in it's entirety ,on location ,in this castle. What's not to like, castle ,sea ,steps ,towers big courtyard. Add imagination ,sit and contemplate. Visited as part of countrywide group tour so time limited, I could have stayed half a day!
100% worth the money spent! 8 dinar for adults and 2 dinar for children. So many alleyway and hidden rooms to discover. Plenty of places to also get away from the sun. The tower at the top gives you great views but be careful the safety barriers on top are missing. Toilet facilities are also provided. Must better than Ribat of Sousse.
The Ribat of Monastir is a historical site with some notable features, though it has its drawbacks. The entrance fee for adults is 8 Dinars. One of the highlights of visiting the Ribat is that it's great for taking pictures, offering picturesque views of the surrounding area. Many visitors also appreciate looking at the view from the structure. The beautiful courtyard provides a pleasant and photogenic space to explore. However, it's important to be aware that the Ribat has tight and narrow spaces. This can be dangerous, especially when climbing up the stairs where you might encounter other people coming in the opposite direction. Additionally, if you're tall, be careful of head height in some areas. For those interested in museums, the museum within the Ribat is very small and boring. On a practical note, the Ribat has toilet facilities. In summary: The Ribat of Monastir offers some lovely views and photo opportunities, particularly within its beautiful courtyard. However, visitors should be mindful of the potentially dangerous tight spaces and low head heights. The museum on-site is unlikely to be a highlight.
A castle by the sea. Big walls, gates, a sea gate .With a tower that, from the top of a narrow winding stair ,affords an amazing view. Cramped at the top , beware girls taking selfies and blocking the view. Nice and clean. Lots of levels, steps up to the fire step ,lookout areas ,guardrooms . Narrow steps ,no handrails and some very dark areas (Great fun if you do not worry about H and S) The Monty Python "Life of Brian" was filmed in it's entirety ,on location ,in this castle. What's not to like, castle ,sea ,steps ,towers big courtyard. Add imagination ,sit and contemplate. Visited as part of countrywide group tour so time limited, I could have stayed half a day!
See all reviews
Map
Address
QRGM+F6M, Rte de la Falaise, Monastir, Tunisia
Phone
+216 42 223 476
Hours
SuSunday: 8:30AM–7PM
MoMonday: 8:30AM–7PM
TuTuesday: 8:30AM–7PM
WeWednesday: 8:30AM–7PM
ThThursday: 8:30AM–7PM
FrFriday: 8:30AM–7PM
SaSaturday: 8:30AM–7PM
QRGM+F6M, Rte de la Falaise, Monastir, Tunisia
Wednesday: 8:30AM–7PM
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
SuSunday: 8:30AM–7PM
MoMonday: 8:30AM–7PM
TuTuesday: 8:30AM–7PM
WeWednesday: 8:30AM–7PM
ThThursday: 8:30AM–7PM
FrFriday: 8:30AM–7PM
SaSaturday: 8:30AM–7PM
People typically spend 1 hr here
+216 42 223 476

Know before you go

  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and have ample time to explore
  • Be cautious of narrow stairs when climbing up to get panoramic city views
  • Mind your head in areas with low arches if you are tall (over 5ft7)
  • Check out nearby attractions like old markets within walking distance for an extended visit

Reviews

The Ribat of Monastir is a wonderful historical site with beautiful views overlooking the sea and city. Visitors can explore a fairly huge inner courtyard, take pictures from the top for spectacular views, and enjoy the pleasant square outside. However, tight spaces and low arches require caution while navigating. The entrance fee is around 5-8 Dinars per person, offering a glimpse into Islamic defensive history with some drawbacks like small museum exhibits.
Review score
4.6
out of 5
Wonderful
3020 reviews
From Google
Review score
4.4
out of 5
Excellent
784 reviews
From Tripadvisor
5 stars
2088
4 stars
686
3 stars
179
2 stars
25
1 star
37
5/5Alicja B
•
Jun 28, 2025 from
Google
100% worth the money spent! 8 dinar for adults and 2 dinar for children. So many alleyway and hidden rooms to discover. Plenty of places to also get away from the sun. The tower at the top gives you great views but be careful the safety barriers on top are missing. Toilet facilities are also provided. Must better than Ribat of Sousse.
3/5Mohammed A
•
May 27, 2025 from
Google
The Ribat of Monastir is a historical site with some notable features, though it has its drawbacks. The entrance fee for adults is 8 Dinars. One of the highlights of visiting the Ribat is that it's great for taking pictures, offering picturesque views of the surrounding area. Many visitors also appreciate looking at the view from the structure. The beautiful courtyard provides a pleasant and photogenic space to explore. However, it's important to be aware that the Ribat has tight and narrow spaces. This can be dangerous, especially when climbing up the stairs where you might encounter other people coming in the opposite direction. Additionally, if you're tall, be careful of head height in some areas. For those interested in museums, the museum within the Ribat is very small and boring. On a practical note, the Ribat has toilet facilities. In summary: The Ribat of Monastir offers some lovely views and photo opportunities, particularly within its beautiful courtyard. However, visitors should be mindful of the potentially dangerous tight spaces and low head heights. The museum on-site is unlikely to be a highlight.
5/5Musicians M
•
Sep 20, 2025 from
Google
A castle by the sea. Big walls, gates, a sea gate .With a tower that, from the top of a narrow winding stair ,affords an amazing view. Cramped at the top , beware girls taking selfies and blocking the view. Nice and clean. Lots of levels, steps up to the fire step ,lookout areas ,guardrooms . Narrow steps ,no handrails and some very dark areas (Great fun if you do not worry about H and S) The Monty Python "Life of Brian" was filmed in it's entirety ,on location ,in this castle. What's not to like, castle ,sea ,steps ,towers big courtyard. Add imagination ,sit and contemplate. Visited as part of countrywide group tour so time limited, I could have stayed half a day!
4/5Aleen
•
Oct 13, 2025 from
Google
It’s not exceptional in every way, but the view more than makes up for it. You’ll get an incredible panorama stretching over the sea and the city — especially at sunrise or sunset, the light softens the harsh edges of the urban landscape and the water glows. The setting is peaceful, perfect for moments when you just want to sit back, breathe, and take it all in. The facilities aren’t luxurious or overly fancy, and you won’t find anything wildly unique here, but for the price and ambiance, it delivers well. If you value scenery and a calm vibe over high-end amenities, this is worth a stop.
5/5Kevin C
•
Oct 20, 2025 from
Google
This place is a gem. Not only for the historical importance and value of the ruins and how well preserved it is but because of the outstanding views it offers of Monastir. The climb up to the tower and the views from the top itself are spectacular. Remarkable value for this historical marvel...if you have seen the Ribat of Sousse this place will be familiar, but is much bigger and has more to offer....
All Google Maps reviews
All Tripadvisor reviews
Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Learn more

Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Map
Address
QRGM+F6M, Rte de la Falaise, Monastir, Tunisia
Phone
+216 42 223 476
Hours
SuSunday: 8:30AM–7PM
MoMonday: 8:30AM–7PM
TuTuesday: 8:30AM–7PM
WeWednesday: 8:30AM–7PM
ThThursday: 8:30AM–7PM
FrFriday: 8:30AM–7PM
SaSaturday: 8:30AM–7PM
QRGM+F6M, Rte de la Falaise, Monastir, Tunisia
Wednesday: 8:30AM–7PM
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
SuSunday: 8:30AM–7PM
MoMonday: 8:30AM–7PM
TuTuesday: 8:30AM–7PM
WeWednesday: 8:30AM–7PM
ThThursday: 8:30AM–7PM
FrFriday: 8:30AM–7PM
SaSaturday: 8:30AM–7PM
People typically spend 1 hr here
+216 42 223 476