Sightseeing OverviewTripoli is a stunning city that more than lives up to the moniker ‘The jewel of the Mediterranean.’ The obvious starting point for a sightseeing tour is the Medina (Old City). The narrow whitewashed streets of the Medina are crammed with mosques (the highlights of which are the Gurgi and the Karamanli mosques) and private dwellings that date from the Ottoman period and are constructed around internal courtyards. Inside the Medina you will find bustling souks, the last trace of Roman occupation (in the form of the marble Arch of Marcus Aurelius) and the
city’s castle. The castle was constructed over many centuries and has discernible Ottoman and Spanish influences; it also features a harem, mosque and myriad courtyards and is home to the National or Jamahiriya Museum. One of Africa’s most impressive museums, the latter catalogs Libya’s history and heritage from its Neolithic origins through to the present day. There is more to the Libyan capital than striking architecture; it also has a water park, zoo and beaches (although these aren’t especially clean) to keep you occupied.
Tourist InformationThere is no state-run tourist agency in Libya.
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 jewelry, as well as aromatic herbs and spices. Away from the organized souks you may also find women selling jewelry 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 meters, 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 artifacts 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
Further Distractions:Gurgi Mosque The interior of Tripoli’s most attractive mosque is crafted with Egyptian and Greek marble, Moroccan stone and Tunisian tiles. The towering white minaret of this 20th century house of prayers has two balconies, with locals claiming that it was constructed this way in a bid to outshine the Ahmed Paha Mosque.
North-eastern corner of the Medina just off Sharia Hara Kebir and close to the Arch of Marcus Aurelius
Janzur The low-key resort of Janzur is located 12km (7 miles) from Tripoli; here attractions include a 200 year old mosque (Sidi Amara Mosque), underground tombs, museum and a decent beach.
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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