Bourguiba Mausoleum

Welcome to Bourguiba Mausoleum, Monastir

Located in the coastal city of Monastir, Tunisia, the Bourguiba Mausoleum is a striking white‑marble landmark dedicated to Habib Bourguiba, the country’s first president. Its green‑tiled domes and symmetrical towers make it a prominent site for visitors.

Historical Context

The mausoleum, commenced in the early 1960s alongside the Bourguiba Mosque, houses the richly decorated sarcophagus of Habib Bourguiba and includes personal memorabilia of the president, reflecting Tunisia’s modern history and national identity. It was built to honor his leadership from 1957 to 1987 and stands as a symbol of the nation’s modern founding era. 

Landmarks

• Ribat of Monastir: A fortified abbey built in 796 CE, featuring watchtowers and panoramic views over Monastir and the sea. It served both religious and military purposes historically. It also houses a small museum in its south wing displaying artifacts including an astrolabe from 927 CE. 
• Great Mosque of Monastir: Dating from the 9th century, this mosque includes architectural layers added over time (Zirid, Hafsid, later) and features a unique design without a dome over the mihrab. 
• Phare de Kuriat: A lighthouse on the Kuriat Islands, built in the late 19th century, visible from Monastir’s coast and significant as a maritime landmark. 

Museums

• Museum of the Ribat (Musée du Ribat)

  This museum, located in the southern wing of the Ribat of Monastir, displays Islamic art, pottery, jewellery, coins, and even an astrolabe from 927 CE. It provides insights into medieval scholarship and material culture.

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  Opening Hours: April–September daily 08:00–19:00; October–March daily 08:30–17:30.

  Ticket Price: Free entry.

• Museum of Arts and Traditions of Monastir

  An ethnographic museum near the Bourguiba Mosque exhibiting regional folk costumes, bridal trousseaux, jewelry, and ceremonial objects, illustrating Tunisian cultural heritage.

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  Opening Hours: 16 September–31 March: 08:00–17:00; 1–30 April: 08:00–18:30; closed on Mondays.

  Ticket Price: 4 Tunisian Dinars.

Tips for Visitors

• Plan your visit early: the mausoleum and museums close in the afternoon (around 16:00–17:30).
• The Ribat museum is free, an excellent highlight of medieval Islamic scholarship.
• Combine visits: the Ribat, its museum, and the arts museum are in close proximity for an easy cultural walk.

Sources

• ArrivalGuides – Bourguiba Mausoleum details (architecture, opening hours, free entry) (arrivalguides.com)
• Trip.com – Opening hours for Bourguiba Mausoleum: 09:00–17:30 (trip.com)
• ArrivalGuides – Ribat Museum opening hours and free entry (arrivalguides.com)
• tunisia-travel-guide.com – Museum of Arts and Traditions details (hours, price) (tunisia-travel-guide.com)