10 Things to Do in Bourguiba Mausoleum, Monastir Tunisia
The Bourguiba Mausoleum, located in Monastir, Tunisia, is a grand memorial to the late Habib Bourguiba, the nation's first president and the father of modern Tunisia. The mausoleum, known as the Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, is a place of national pride and reverence, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tunisia. Whether you're looking to pay your respects to the great leader or simply explore the impressive architecture, here are ten things to do when you visit the Bourguiba Mausoleum.
1. Explore the Architecture: The Bourguiba Mausoleum is an impressive architectural feat. It was designed by the renowned Tunisian architect, Tahar Ben Ammar, and is made up of two main components: the mosque and the mausoleum. The mosque is a rectangular building with a dome and four minarets, while the mausoleum is a two-story building with a large dome and four corner towers. The whole complex is surrounded by a wall and is set in a large garden.
2. Visit the Tomb: The mausoleum is the burial site of Habib Bourguiba, the first President of Tunisia. The tomb is located in the center of the mausoleum and is covered in a green cloth. Visitors are not allowed to enter the tomb, but they can pay their respects to the late leader from outside.
3. Visit the Mosque: The mosque is one of the most impressive features of the mausoleum. It is a large rectangular building with a large dome and four minarets. Inside the mosque, visitors can admire the intricate tile and woodwork, as well as the beautiful stained glass windows.
4. Visit the Museum: The museum at the Bourguiba Mausoleum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Habib Bourguiba. It includes a collection of photographs, documents, and personal items belonging to the late leader.
5. Admire the Gardens: The mausoleum is surrounded by a large garden filled with trees, shrubs, and flowers. Visitors can stroll through the garden and admire the beauty of the plants and the view of the sea.
6. Take a Tour: The mausoleum offers guided tours of the complex, which include the mosque, the mausoleum, and the museum. The tours are a great way to learn more about the life and legacy of Habib Bourguiba and to explore the impressive architecture of the complex.
7. Attend a Ceremony: The mausoleum is the site of many national ceremonies, such as the annual celebration of Habib Bourguiba’s birthday. Visitors can attend these ceremonies to pay their respects to the late leader and to experience the national pride of the Tunisian people.
8. Visit the Souvenir Shop: The mausoleum has a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and memorabilia related to Habib Bourguiba. The shop also sells books about the life and legacy of the late leader.
9. Learn About the History: The mausoleum also has an educational center dedicated to the history of Tunisia. Visitors can learn about the country’s past and its transition to modernity under the leadership of Habib Bourguiba.
10. Enjoy a Meal: The mausoleum has a café and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack. The café serves traditional Tunisian dishes, while the restaurant offers a variety of international cuisines.
Visiting the Bourguiba Mausoleum in Monastir is a great way to explore the impressive architecture and to learn more about the life and legacy of Habib Bourguiba. Whether you’re looking to pay your respects to the great leader or simply explore the complex, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the mausoleum.