MONASTIR-EL JEM, Tunisia

This was a world wind day where we left Sousse for Sfax and in the process experienced many wonderful sites.

The language was not a problem for me as everyone spoke French,

The mausoleum of the first very charismatic president of Tunisia Habib Bourguiba-was a marble wonder with the finest craftsmanship. It is located in Monastir

It took 20 years to build as he had the belief that when his mausoleum was completed he would die! So he ended up surviving the mausoleum by 19 years!

He is considered the father of Tunisia as he brought Tunisia to independence from France in 1956. He led the country for 30 years!

We walked across the street to a very old fortress right in the ocean

We also visited the oval coliseum of EL JEM. It is the third largest in the world after Rome and Padua. It was quite impressive to see where the animals were kept down below for the gladiators and equally as impressive to walk to the highest point. the amount of detail was magnificent!

Lastly we visited a huge Roman house with impressive mosaic.

The Mauleum of President Habib Bourguiba – the built started in 1963- he died in 2000- located in Monastir
President Bourguiba personal items and photos of political leaders he met during his long reign
An extension of the mausoleum for his family members
The mausoleum from the outside with all marble design – the 8 pointed star represents God’s throne in Islam.
The Ribat of Monastir was built in the 9th century and expended in the 19 th century
The part of the Ribat built in the 9 th century
Steps to go up the Ribat tower
It is located on the ocean front as so many other forts
Flamingos in the salt water pools
This oval shaped Coliseum was built in the 3rd century was partially destroyed in 1941 and it’s still being rebuilt- it could accommodate 32000 spectators. It is the largest in Africa and it exhibit the Roman influence over the city at the time.
The coliseum was used for gladiators shows and small scale chariot races
This is the huge underground area where the animals were housed during the gladiators shows and were to the games by pulleys
It’s built with huge concrete stones and travertine, such workmanship!
Here is the remaining parts of this oval coloseum
A view from the 4th floor or top floor
Museum of EL JAM built on the site of a huge Roman house with a courtyard housing many mosaic and artifacts – It’s visually quite beautiful
A huge mosaic with very tiny stones- Bach is the God of Wine

7 gods representing 7 days of the week

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