Tripoli City

Tripoli is Libya’s capital city and also the largest city located to the edge of rocky lands of the Mediterranean Sea. The city features a natural sea port and is Libya’s largest commercial centre. The city has a population of about 1.8 million. The climate here is typical of any city along the Mediterranean, hot during the summers and cool winters.

The city has its history from the 14th century BC, but the city prospered in the 9th century BC when the Phoenicians started trading from here. At the time of Alexander the Great, the city featured a massive shipyard. Around 64-63 BC, at the time of Roman Rule the city was captured by Pompey and a number of Roman buildings were constructed.

The city was also a major ship building center during the reign of Omayyad Empire. In the 12th century the major constructions of the city were destroyed by the crusaders. The city was prospered at the time of Turkish Ottoman rule in between the years 1516-1918, also a number of buildings were constructed at this period.

The major attractions in the city are

St. Johns Church
The ruins of this church were discovered at the Maronite Cemetery as a part of the archaeological excavations conducted here. The church measures about 200 meters linked with two chapels and bounded by a cemetery.

Al-Muallaq Mosque
This mosque was built in the 16th century and it features a massive garden and the interiors are whitewashed.

Burtasiyat Madrassa-Mosque
It was built in the 14th century and it is considered as one of the attractive mosques. It features a square minaret at the main entrance decorated with windows.

Lions Tower
The Lions Tower was built in the 15th century and it is one of the best preserved towers. The tower features domed ceilings, two stories and a number of statues.

Offshore Islands
These Islands feature one of the best palm trees which are also a reserve for birds and green turtles. It was also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tripoli International Fair
This international fair features a number of works of Oscar Niemeyer, a Brazilian architect. The fair also includes exhibitions and music concerts.