World City Guide

Key Attractions

Medina
Tripoli’s old city is an impressive set-piece complete with narrow alleyways, dozens of mosques and buildings whose architecture was influenced by the Turks and Italians who ruled Libya at different times in history - look out for the somewhat faded former Bank of Rome and St Mary’s Cathedral (which no longer functions as a church). Old stone walls and the Mediterranean Sea attractively frame the Medina’s bustling streets.

Souks
One of the greatest joys in Tripoli is perusing, and buying, the wonderful array of goods on sale in the old souks (markets) that crowd the historic core. Here you can pick up clothing, beautiful fabric and jewellery, as well as aromatic herbs and spices. Away from the organised souks you may also find women selling jewellery or clothing at their own informal stalls. Even if you don’t intend shopping the souks boast some attractive architecture such as the 19th century clock tower that guards the entrance to Souq al-Mushir.

Medina

Assai al-Hamra (Red Castle)
This sprawling fortress, and one time bastion of government power, whose buildings and courtyards cover over 13,000 square metres, opened to the public in 1988. Walking around the castle, the city’s history gradually unfolds with the cells of former prisoners, the rooms occupied by a succession of Turkish rulers and the Spanish courtyard all open to the public. The most impressive aspects of the castle, though, are its forbidding façade and the Jamahiriya Museum (see next listing).

As-Saha al-Kradrah (Green Square)
Tel: (021) 333 3042.

Jamahiriya Museum
The highlights of the enormous collection, displayed over five floors, at the Jamahiriya (or national) Museum are stunning mosaics, which date from the days of Tripoli’s Roman settlement. Its collection of statues, Islamic architecture and natural history artefacts are also noteworthy. Look out for a VW Beetle that once belonged to Colonel Gaddafi.

As-Saha al-Kradrah (Green Square)
Tel: (021) 333 0292.

Arch of Marcus Aurelius
This surprisingly well-preserved arch dates from AD163 and was built as a testament to the might of the Roman army. Its sturdy appearance may be easier to understand when you learn that the authorities relocated it from Leptis Magna. Examining the engravings on the arch, one can see the goddess Athena riding in a chariot towed by griffin and images of local people surrendering to the Roman forces.

North-eastern corner of the Medina near Sharia Hara Kebir