Monastir Ribat

The ribat at Monastir was founded in 796 as a fortified religious house for warrior monks guarding the coast against Byzantine raids, and it is the oldest surviving building of its kind in North Africa, extended repeatedly over the following centuries. The nador tower is climbed for a view over the town, the marina and the cemetery. Its blank walls and courtyards have been used as a film set, most famously for Monty Python's Life of Brian. Ribats were built in a chain along this coast, and the men who garrisoned them combined military service with religious study, which is why the buildings hold prayer halls and cells as well as walls and towers.

What you actually see

• The nador tower - the watchtower climbed for the view over town and sea.
• The 796 foundation - the oldest surviving ribat in North Africa.
• The courtyards - the layered enclosures added over successive centuries.
• The Islamic museum - the collection housed within the fortress.

When to go

October to May is comfortable; summer is hot. Mornings are quietest before the coach groups. Sunset from the tower is good.

Honest expectations

The tower stair is steep and narrow. Cruise excursions fill the courtyards in season. Interpretation inside is limited.

Nearby

Monastir town surrounds it, and Mahdia is south.