Monastir was totally changed in the 1960's. Not only was the mausoleum of Bourguiba started, but there were major changed even to the medina. Large areas were torn down, and replaced with open streets, nice building with porticos. Of the medina, only some few areas remain, and most of these are really swarmed with tourist stalls. The vendors have since long discovered that tourists prefer to shop in an oriental atmosphere.
Sometimes restoration can be taken too far. This part of the old city walls is rebuilt just a few years ago, and looks more like Las Vegas than Tunisia.
Some few places, the genuine medina of Monastir has survived. The claim to be Hard Rock Cafe (label next to door) is far-fetched.
