This is the oldest and most important defensive work to have been built along the North African coastline by the Arab conquerors in the early days of Islam.

Founded in 796, this building underwent several modifications during the medieval period. Initially, it formed a quadrilateral and then was composed of four buildings giving onto two inner courtyards.

A spiral stair of about a hundred steps leads to the watchtower form the top of which visual messages were exchanged at night with the towers of neighbouring Ribats and from which visitors can admire a superb view over the city of Monastir and the open sea.

In the summer the Ribat houses various events that are part of the international festival of Monastir.