Ribat of Monastir

The oldest ribat in North Africa, founded in 796, stands right by the water. Its walls and towers have been used as a set by many films.

History

Built by the Abbasid governor Harthama ibn A'yan to guard the coast against Byzantine raids.

Customs

Monastir is the hometown of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia's first president, whose mausoleum is nearby.

Food

Try "kosksi bil hout", fish couscous, a coastal Sahel speciality.

Best time

All year. Summer evenings by the marina are lively.

Scenes from Monty Python's "Life of Brian" were filmed at the Ribat of Monastir in 1978.