TRIPOLI, LIBYA

Tripoli is the largest city and chief seaport of Libya and is situated on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The city bears the scars of war, however, this does not affect its old-world beauty or historical significance.

TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT

1.CITADEL OF RAYMOND DE SAINT-GILLES

The fortress is one of the biggest in Lebanon and was first established in 636 CE by Arab commanders. The citadel overlooks the Abou Ali River and is known for having abandoned underground pathways used by leaders to escape. While these pathways have long since been closed off or flooded by water, their existence adds to the mystery of this famous fortress.

2.THE HAMMAMS

Only one of the Turkish baths is still working. Built in the 17th century the Hamman al Abed’s interior is quite impressive. Hamman Al Jadid is the largest and Tripoli’s best-preserved Hamman so make sure you visit it even though it’s not operational.

3.NIEMEYER’S MAARAD

Designed by Oskar Niemeyer the outside of the center look like it is an abandoned place but in fact it is breathtaking inside. In 2006, the site was “added to the World Monuments Fund Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites after conservationists campaigned to preserve it when Tripoli’s chamber of commerce proposed turning into a tourist village theme park to be based on Disneyland. It is an impressive monument of architectural and worth visiting.

4.JAMAHIRIYA MUSEUM – RED CASTLE MUSEUM

Also known as the Red Castle Museum and situated in the heart of Tripoli, the museum is a must-visit attraction of the city. You can learn more about the history of the country in the museum as well as viewing a wide range of exhibits including pre-historic artefacts, displays relating to ancient Libyan tribes and natural history exhibits. It also features a wing dedicated to Libya’s fight for independence, called ‘The People’s Era’ exhibit.

5.WAR MUSEUM

The museum occupies the ground floor of the Malliaropoulos building on the corner of Ethnomartiron Street. Inaugurated in 2000 in response to the need and demands of the City of the Struggle and Revolution. It has eleven themed sections covering the struggles of the Greeks - weapons and items from the revolution of 1821, the Greek-Turkish War, and Macedonian War through to the Middle East and the Liberation. In the halls of the museum and its collections one sees in relief the history of this great city of Tripoli and the whole of Arcadia.

6.GIBRAN MUSEUM

In the 19th century monastery built into the rocky slopes of a hill, the body of poet and artist Khalil Gibran (1883 - 1931) was interred in the monasteries chapel. Now a museum the building houses a large collection of Gibran’s paintings: dreamlike, symbolist nudes in the main. Look out for Elvis' signature on a copy of Gibran's masterwork. Stairs behind the museum lead to the site of some Phoenician tombs.

7.TAYNAL MOSQUE

Dating from 1336, the restored green-domed mosque at the central Muslim cemetery south of the sougs is well worth visiting. Representing the most outstanding example of Islamic religious architecture in Tripoli. Highlights is the prayer hall with an ornate inlaid pulpit, elegant lamps and stone vaulting. Note the re-used columns and capitals from Byzantine-era buildings.

8.ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH

The 19th century Byzantine-style Greek Orthodox church is the most interesting of the town’s places of worship. The church features an elegant decorated doorway, dome, vaulted stone ceiling and icon screen.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT

1. Palm Island Nature Reserve
   
2. Mansouri Great Mosque
   
3. Sultan Abdul Hamid Clocktower
   
4. Burj Al Sibaa
   
5. Deir Qannoubin
   
6. Khan Al Khayyatin
   
7. Qadisha Grotto
   
8. Hamman Al Jadid
   
9. Madrasa Al Qartawiyya
   
10. Khan Al Misriyyin
    
11. Deir Mar Elisha
    
12. Saydet Hawya
    
13. Chapel of Mar Marina
    
14. Deir Mar Antonios Qozhaya
    
15. Deir Mar Semaan
    
16. Sea Wall
    
17. Souq Al Attarin
    
18. Souq Al Haraj
    
19. Our Lady of the Sea
    
20. Al Muallaq Mosque
    

The best way to see Tripoli is to walk. Transport available is car hire, taxi, bike or buses.

The spring and fall are milder and March and April, and October and November are among the most pleasant times to visit, this is when you can expect temperatures in the 70s during the day and 60s at night.