Monastir: tourist information

General information about Monastir

The city of Monastir (Monastir) is located on the Mediterranean coast and is located 162 km south of Tunis (Monastir on the map of Tunisia). It is one of the most frequently visited resort towns in Tunisia, largely due to the international airport located here, which allows you to comfortably get to your vacation destination. Monastir is distinguished by modern high-rise buildings with wide avenues bordering the historical part of the Old City - Medina, with its low buildings and narrow streets. The renovation of the city in the form in which it can be seen today was facilitated by the first President of Tunisia and a native of Monastir, Habib Bourguiba, who did a lot for the development and prosperity of his native city. The resort town itself is small, with a population of about 70 thousand people and is focused, to a greater extent, on a quiet and secluded holiday. It will be interesting for those who like to relax by the sea, and those interested in the culture and history of the city.

Like all Tunisian cities, the city of Monastir was founded by Phoenician settlers with the name Ruspena in the V century BC. Later, the Romans renamed the city Ruspina. The favorable geographical location of the city contributed to giving it special importance in the defense of the west coast. Throughout history, Monastir has repeatedly passed into the hands of the Spaniards, the Ottomans, and the Arabs. In the XI century. the city was proclaimed the religious center of the country. However, the heyday of the city falls during the reign of Habib Bourguiba.

There are several versions of the origin of the name of the word "Monastir": the first - in the VIII century. monks served in the Ribat fortress, which means "monaster" in Greek; the second version intersects with the first - from the Latin word "monasterium", which means "monastery"; and the third is associated with the name of a certain princess Mona, who lived in the XII century .

It will take one day to see the few sights. Along the coast there is a defensive fortification Ribat Khartem, built in the VIII century. In the prayer room of which an Islamic Museum is open, where items related to ancient Islamic historical monuments are presented: coins, chronicles, gold products, ceramics, fabrics, etc. Next to the Ribat there is a huge Muslim cemetery Sidi el Mezri, in the northern part of which the mausoleum of the country's first president Habib Bourguiba and his family members was erected in 1963. South of the Ribat is the Great Mosque, erected in the IX century. The Medina Square, as is customary everywhere in Tunisia, is separated from the newer part by a stone wall. Here you will plunge into the atmosphere of traditional color and unique spirit of the ancient Arab state. The calm and measured life of Medina will certainly make a lasting impression. Also here you can buy souvenirs and products of local artisans. On the territory of the Medina there is the Habib Bourguiba Mosque, built in the same period as the mausoleum in his honor, and an interesting Museum of traditional costume.

Among the active types of pastime, it is worth noting the presence of a golf and yacht club, a diving center, an amusement park, and just pleasant walks along the embankment and pier, with the opportunity to take a yacht ride to the nearby uninhabited island of Kuriat. Every year in July-August, a festival of theater and poetry is held in Monastir. If you wish, you can visit the nearest cities of Kairouan from Monastir, Sousse, El Jem, Mahdiyu independently or as part of an organized excursion.

Weather in Monastir, tourist seasons

The climate in Monastir is mild, Mediterranean and conducive to rest all year round. But it is worth noting that the coldest time of the year is the period from December to February, when the temperature does not exceed: air – 16–17C, water - 14C, precipitation in the form of rain is possible. The hottest period is from June to August, at which time the air temperature can reach up to 37C and above. The rest of the time the weather is more comfortable: the air is 20–26C, the water is suitable for swimming from April (17-19C) to November (21C).

Time in Monastir

The time in Tunisia and in Monastir, in particular, is 2 hours behind Moscow time in summer and winter. The transition to summer and winter time in Tunisia is not carried out.

Hotels in Monastir, where to stay

There are few hotels in Monastir, only about 30. Most of them are located in the resort suburb of Skanes, each of which tries to offer its customers the best. They have large areas with their own infrastructure: swimming pools, bars, restaurants, animation programs and water activities. There are several economy class hotels in the city itself and they are located either in the Medina or near it, near the coast.

When choosing a hotel in Skanes, you should be warned against some possible inconveniences. Firstly, pay attention to whether any object is being built near the hotel, and secondly, at what distance the airport is located.

You can find and book a hotel in Monastir using the search form below. The search is carried out in the search engine popular in Southeast Asia Agoda.com, Russian and Russian-language support are available:

Useful information about Monastir

Skanes. A small suburb of Monastir, Skanes, is located 6 km from the center of Monastir to the north. This place is calm and suitable for a beach holiday on the shore of the blue sea with white sand. There is a huge golf course - "Route de Ouerdanine", as well as a riding school, a diving center and an amusement park "Adam Park".

Night entertainment. Fans of night entertainment from the hotel zone need to go either to Monastir itself or to Sousse for them. There are plenty of transport plying in these directions: taxi, luage, tourist train, metro, railway train.