Fortress
4/5
Ribat of Sousse
The Ribat of Sousse is a remarkably intact ninth-century Islamic coastal fortress standing at the entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Medina of Sousse. Constructed in 821 AD by Aghlabid Emir Ziyadat Allah I, this square stone citadel functioned as a combined military outpost and monastery for devout Muslim warrior-monks who defended the North African coast against Byzantine naval raids. Visitors and night caretakers report hearing phantom vigil prayers inside the upper mosque hall, seeing shadowy guards on the battlements, and feeling cold drafts inside the high watchtower.