Tripoli

Tripoli is Libya’s capital and its largest city. It sits on the Mediterranean coast in the northwest of the country and has been an important port and trading hub for thousands of years. The city shows layers of history, with Roman, Arab, Ottoman and Italian influences visible in its streets and monuments.

The Old Town (the medina): The medina is the historic heart of Tripoli. Walking its narrow lanes you will find markets, old mosques, small cafés and hidden corners that reflect everyday life and long traditions. The Arch of Marcus Aurelius, a Roman gateway, stands as one clear reminder of the city’s ancient past.

The Red Castle and museums: The Red Castle, known locally as Assaraya al-Hamra, sits on the waterfront and houses the Red Castle Museum. The castle and museum show artifacts that tell the story of Tripoli and Libya from ancient times to the modern era.

Tripoli’s streets and buildings mix Roman ruins, Ottoman-era mosques, and Italian-era boulevards, giving the city a distinctive Mediterranean character. This mix makes Tripoli interesting for anyone who enjoys history, architecture or simply wandering and observing local life.