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Welcome to Bourguiba Museum, Monastir

Situated in the coastal city of Monastir, Tunisia, the Bourguiba Museum occupies a site of deep historical and political significance: the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, the nation’s founding president, alongside nearby landmarks that reflect Tunisia’s rich cultural heritage.

Historical Context

The Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba was commissioned by Bourguiba himself in 1963 and officially opened after his passing. Built in a modern Arab‑Muslim style with two 25‑meter minarets and a golden dome flanked by two smaller green domes, it houses the remains of Bourguiba and several family members. A small museum within the mausoleum displays the former president’s personal belongings: his desk, glasses, passports, identity card, traditional and Western garments, and photographs.

Landmarks

  • Habib Bourguiba Mausoleum: Ornate mausoleum with marble, gold accents, twin minarets, and a museum of personal artifacts.
  • Bourguiba Mosque: Adjacent mosque built in 1963, featuring 86 pink marble columns, teak carved doors, and Ottoman‑influenced minaret design.
  • Monastir Ribat: A historic coastal fortress dating back to the 8th century, offering panoramic city and sea views and featuring a small Islamic art museum.
  • Monastir Medina: The old town’s labyrinth of alleys, traditional shops, and local craft offerings — ideal for cultural immersion and shopping.

Museums

  • Bourguiba Museum (Habib Bourguiba Museum)

    Located near the mausoleum and housed in the former presidential palace (Ksar Al Marmar), this museum showcases Bourguiba’s personal archives, recordings of speeches, photographs, a bronze equestrian statue, his Mercedes, and other memorabilia (villa-romana-monastir.com).

    Visit Website

    Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday; summer: 08:00–19:00; rest of year: 08:30–17:30 (villa-romana-monastir.com)

    Ticket Price: 9 Tunisian Dinars (approx. €3) (villa-romana-monastir.com)

  • Museum of Arts and Traditions of Monastir

    This ethnographic museum, located near the Bourguiba Mosque, exhibits traditional folk costumes from across Tunisia, ceremonial bridal trousseaux, jewelry, and household objects, offering insight into popular crafts and customs (tunisia-travel-guide.com).

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    Opening Hours: 16 September to 31 March: 08:00–17:00; 1 April to 30 April: 08:00–18:30; closed Mondays (tunisia-travel-guide.com)

    Ticket Price: 4 Tunisian Dinars (tunisia-travel-guide.com)

Tips for Visitors

  • Entry to the Bourguiba Mausoleum is free, but opening hours vary: April–October: 09:00–17:30; November–March: 09:00–16:00 (arrivalguides.com).
  • To explore the mausoleum during closure, use the smaller northern gate if the main gate is shut (lonelyplanet.com).

Sources