Ribat originally meant a guardhouse or fortification, of which there were many in many places on the borders of the region of Islam for their protection. Ribat in Monastir is one of the main historical attractions. This is a powerful fortress of warrior monks with a sea lighthouse, a defensive structure of the 8th century. From the platform at the top of the watch tower in the northern part of the ribat, an impressive panorama of the city opens up. Soldier monks served here and it was the only ribat in Tunisia where women could be. The highest watchtower offers a beautiful view of the city.

The ribat houses an exposition of the Islamic Museum, which presents ancient manuscripts, fabrics (4th and 6th centuries), glassware, pottery of the Abbasid era and a collection of items from the first centuries of the Islamic era. Of interest is also the ancient astrolabe, made in Cordoba in 927.