Neptunia Beach

Ribat of Monastir

by sandysmith

"Ribat" means fortresses, typical of those built in major cities along the southern coast of the Mediterranean, forming a defence line that stretched from Morocco to Egypt to protect the Muslim empire from invasions. Monastir's Ribat is the oldest and most important of it's kind in the Maghreb - it was built in 796, from an idea conceived by the famous oriental architect Zakaria Ibn Al Kadem. The original construction, covering 1300 square meters, was enlarged a century later to 2200 square meters and had it's area doubled by the 11th century. Of course it has been modified over the years and was alsobombarded by the French in 1770, triggering a decision by the sovereign "Hammouda Bey" to fortify the coastal defence lines. Monastir's Ribat was then transformed into a Kasbah and became an almost impregnable fortress. It recent times it has been used as a film setting - Monty Python's "The Life of Brian" and today it is used a s place of culture. Great views can be had from its watchtower over the town of Monastir.

Muslim Graveyard

by Willettsworld

Immediately northwest of the Ribat in Monastir lies a large cemetery with a number of beautiful old marabouts, some of them decorated with bands of Kufic inscriptions and faience tiles. Particularly notable is the 12th century tomb of Sidi el Mazeri. The large size of the cemetery reflects the desire of many Muslims to be buried close to the Ribat, regarded as a sacred shrine.

North African Experience

by RPW

"North Africa"

I went to Monastir in my earlier days, I have heard that it's been transformed quite a bit since I went there in 1981. Anyway I stayed in The Hotel Sahara Beach I think just about anyone that either goes to Monastir or Tunisia for that matter has heard of it - it's a massive complex with three huge blocks of flats - at that time it had an indoor pool and an outdoor one near to the beach. There was always something on in the hotel, at night there was usually a floor show and games, and there was a nightclub attached to the hotel, during the day it was so warm you generally just relaxed near the pool area. Food was ok but with the place being so big the restaurant was a bit of a nightmare, although there was a separate diner place that you could pay extra in. The beach was not the best but it was close to the hotel.