Ribat Fortress
The northern part of Suss Medina, to the right of Farhat-Hached Square.
Description:
Ribat is an ancient fortress (built 787-821), which has the shape of a square with semicircular towers at four corners. One of the priorities of the Ribat is to protect Muslims from attacks by Berber tribes from land and from attacks from the sea by pagans and militant Christians. The Ribats were guarded by the Murabitunas, volunteer monks, thus earning themselves a place in paradise. Along with the defensive, the fortress served as a refuge for travelers and traders in danger.
From the courtyard you can get into many cells, covered with porticoes and a prayer hall. After the construction of the Kasbah, the fortress gradually lost its military purpose.
From the watchtower of Ribat, Khalifa, there is an alluring panorama of all four corners of the world: Medina, the Great Mosque, the old city, the seaport.