Tripoli
The country of Libya is one of the African continent’s greatest tourism gems; as a land that embraces many contrasts and dynamics, Libya has something for every traveller to enjoy. This beautiful territory renowned for its deep and rich historical roots has the Mediterranean Sea to the north and shares a border with other interesting countries such as Egypt, Sudan, Niger, Chad, Tunisia, and Algeria. Most visitors to Libya are likely to enter the country through its main and focal city of Tripoli.
Tripoli promises guests a fantastic sojourn with its distinctive Mediterranean ambience, Arabic flavour, and cosmopolitan society. The inner city itself is largely un-spoilt, but has become a major tourist attraction especially since 2003 when the UN lifted sanctions against the country. Tripoli is a breath of fresh air as travellers are treated to a wealth of stunning architectural landmarks and a city that is well-versed in the traditions of an eclectic array of cultures including Roman and Greek; indeed Tripoli’s name when translated from Greek means ‘three cities’. As it is the principal seaport in Libya as well as the country’s main economic centre, visitors to this dynamic city can look forward to a wide array of wonderful activities to enjoy.
Because of its deep-seated historical origins, there are many sites of archaeological importance throughout the city. One such landmark is the Assaraya al-Hamra, or the Red Castle, which dominates Tripoli’s skyline and consists of a range of water features and statues originating from the Ottoman period. Other places of interest for visitors to explore are the Gurgi and Karamanli mosques, which show off the artistry and talents of the local craftsmen. A visit to Tripoli promises to be exciting and educational - a journey that you won’t soon forget.
