Tripoli
Tripoli: An Interesting City to Visit
In Roman days Tripoli was called Oea. The new name comes from the three Roman cities of Oea, Sabratha and Leptis Magna known collectively by Romans as the Tripolis (three cities). Although already important in Roman days it fell into disrepair after the Vandals conquered this area of North Africa. Over the following centuries it came under the rule of Byzantium, the Arabs, Normans, Spanish and the Knights of St John of Malta. The old town (medina) as it is seen now came to be in Ottoman times. When the Italians took over the town in 1911 it began to grow rapidly.
Throughout most of its history it has been the gateway to sub-Saharan Africa and an important start or end point of many trading caravan routes. The colourful old town (medina) bustles with life and blends into the modern avenues, all of which are a joy to wander through. If time allows a visit to the National Jamahiriya museum is highly recommended. There are a variety of hotels in Tripoli ranging from very expensive five star hotels to much more basic ones. Care must be taken in choosing a hotel - lack of competition led to management apathy but the situation is changing rapidly for the better.
There are many good restaurants and snack bars near the town centre and the food is generally of a good quality. No special care need be taken over drinks or salads. The water in Tripoli comes from very pure "Great Man Made River" water.
Walking around Tripoli is safe, even at night. As a rule the atmosphere in the town is very friendly and there is almost no harassment by salesmen.
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Leptis Magna - The Roman Empire of Africa
Leptis Magna is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the best preserved and most extensive Roman cities in the world.
Founded by Phoenicians about 1,000 BC, Leptis Magna became a Punic city and, after the defeat of Carthage by the Roman Empire, became one of the great harbour cities of Roman North Africa.
Siding with Pompey the Great in Rome’s civil wars, Leptis was required by Julius Caesar to pay a heavy annual tribute to Rome in its most exportable product - 3 million pounds of olive oil.
During the Roman period, Leptis was the Mediterranean outlet of a trade route through the Sahara into the interior of Africa. Its economy was based on agriculture, and some of its products, particularly olives, became profitable trade items.
Leptis Magna was enlarged and embellished by Septimius Severus, who was born there and later became emperor. It was one of the most beautiful cities of the Roman Empire, with its imposing public monuments, harbour, market-place, storehouses, shops and residential districts __________________________________________________
Sabratha
In Roman times the Tripolitania province had three cities, called Tripolis, Leptis Magna, Oea (now the modern Tripolis) and Sabratha. Sabratha was to a large extent the one with least wealth, yet there are structures here that give a lot of sense to the idea of visiting it. Sabratha was constructed in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, but it did survive longer than its big brother, Leptis Magna. As is the case with many ancient cities in North Africa, it was the arrival of the Arabs, that resulted in the final decline.
The theatre is the main attraction, and it appears in excellent condition today. It is even used now as an arena for theatre and concerts. Sabratha has several public baths, temples, fountains, mosaics. The museum is a must, and has an extensive exhibition of everything from statues to small coins.
The town of Sabratha has grown up in between the ruins, adding a special charm to the place. Passing through Sabratha, form the town, you end up at the long beaches, making Sabratha an excellent place to stay for a couple of days.
Ghadames - The Pearl of the Desert
Ghadames is recognized for its beautiful and inventive architecture, designed to fight the dramatic extremes in Saharan climate.
All houses are made out of mud, lime, and palm tree trunks. They are constructed so that all intersect, with covered alleyways between them, and attached roofs above them, allowing passage from one house to another.
It is worth noting that there is a legend about how the name of "GHADAMES" had been so framed. It si said that once upon a time a caravan passed through a valley where they had their own much
After they had packed their belongings and left the spot, one member of the caravan noticed the missing of the cooking utensils. Then he said, '' We forget them at "GHADAMES" (He meant : We left them at Yesterday's lunch". i.e. where they had their lunch.
The inhabitants of Ghadames, (Cydamae in the Roman times), are the Touareg lovers of freedom and liberty. This oasis, in the far Southwest of Tripoli, has seen lover of pleasant evening talk, and recreation, and pleasant seekers. People loved to hear the still of the night being broken by the music of a simple cane flute: or to attend the scene of a curtain of silence being lifted by the artistic fingers of a Bedouin woman playing a beautiful tune on strings attached to a small leather-coated drum: or the uproar of a tumuli on the dance ring with the songs of the Touareg. (Singular Targui).
In Arabic '' GHADA" means hunch and "AMS" means in Arabic "Yesterday " Therefore, - GHA-DAMES - means yesterday lunch. But it is by chance, the Roman name "Gyadamae" has been transformed to "Ghadames". __________________________________________________
Cyrene
Cyrene, the ancient Greek city was the oldest and most important of the five Greek cities in the region and gave eastern Libya the classical name 'Cyrenaica' that it has retained to modern times. It lies in a lush valley in the Jebel Akhdar uplands. It was named after a spring, Kyre, which the Greeks consecrated to Apollo. Cyrene was founded as a colony of the Greeks of Thera, traditionally led by Aristotle (later called Battus) of Thera, about 630 BC. Cyrenaica became part of the empire controlled by the Ptolemaic dynasty from Alexandria in Egypt and later passed to the Roman empire. Cyrene was the birthplace of Eratosthenes and there are a number of philosophers associated with the city including Callimachus, Carneades, Aristippus and Arete, and Synesius, bishop of Ptolemais in the 4th century CE. The inhabitants of Cyrene at the time of Sulla (c. 85 BC) were divided into four classes: citizens, farmers, resident aliens, and Jews, who formed a restless minority. __________________________________________________
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Plasma Hotel**** - Tripoli |
This very luxurious hotel is located just steps from Tripoli International Fair and a short walk to the city centre (Martyre Square). The hotel boasts wonderful views of the Tripoli city. |
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Bab El Bahar Hotel**** - Tripoli |
Bab El Bahar hotel is situated in the financial district of the city of Tripoli, it over looks the coast of the Mediterranean. |
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Awal Hotel**** - Tripoli |
Awal hotel is a new boutique hotel in Tripoli and with its central location, it offers the very best in modern hotel comfort. WELCOME!!! |
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Four Seasons Hotel (1) - Tripoli |
This luxuriously appointed hotel has been designed to reflect the mélange between the modernity and the Libyan traditional hosting. |
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Al Khaleej Hotel*** - Tripoli |
This charming and affordable hotel with cosy rooms and friendly English speaking staff is an easy stroll to the city centre. |
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Al Kabir Hotel**** - Tripoli /Closed for renovation. |
Al Kabir (Grand) is a 4 star hotel that is surrounded by gardens and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
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Al Saraya Hotel*** - Tripoli |
The hotel enjoys an excellent location, in the town centre, just a few meters from the lovely Avenue Omar Al Mokhtar and is just opposite Tripoli International Fairground. |
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Zumit Hotel*** - Tripoli |
An ancient 3 star hotel from the Othman period used since it was built as a hotel and as a rendezvous for convey merchants coming from Africa and Europe. |
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Tripoli International Hotel**** - Tripoli |
This hotel is very nice. It's only been open for a couple of months so it feels very new and clean.
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Thobacts Hotel**** - Tripoli |
Thobacts Hotel, located in the heart of Tripoli City, is within walking distance of Tripoli International Fair, Fatha Tower, Martyre Square and Lido beach. |
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El Khan Hotel*** - Tripoli |
A lovely 16c riad style boutique hotel, very tastefully decorated. The hotel boasts lovely plunge pool and very good restaurant. Perfectly located in the heart of the medina. |
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Diplomatic Hotel*** - Tripoli |
Diplomatic hotel is a newly opened star hotel and is located in the heart of Tripoli´s commercial center. |
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Libya Hotel - Tripoli *** |
The central location in one of Tripoli's most dynamic business districts gives you access to reach the Tripoli International Fairground, El Fatah tower and Burj Abu Lila within a few minutes walking distance. |
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The Golden Chain Hotel *** - Tripoli |
It's a lovely and charming hotel. Only 5 minutes walking distance from Tripoli International Fair. |
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Al Okhwa Hotel*** - Tripoli |
Al Okhwa hotel is one of the modern hotels in Tripoli and is located in the city centre only few meters from Tripoli International Trade Fair. |
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Al Waddan Hotel***** Tripoli |
This 5-star hotel is situated in the heart of Tripoli and nestles between the mature trees and shrubs that line the Corniche. |
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Al Fousul Al Arbaa Hotel (2) ** - Tripoli |
There's an abundance of creature comforts and delights at this centrally located hotel. Close to Tripoli International Fair, Martyre Sqaure and Tripoli's old town (medina). |
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Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel ***** - Tripoli |
This 5 star hotel is Located in one of the fanciest neighbourhoods in Tripoli.
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Al Kendi Hotel** - Tripoli |
It is one of the excellent hotels which is located in the middle of Tripoli city. |
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Al Andalus Hotel ** Tripoli |
This stylish two-star is located in the city centre of close to businesses, shopping centres and area attractions. |
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Assafi Hotel** -Tripoli |
The friendly, peaceful 2-star Assafi hotel is ideally located on a small, quiet street and right across from Tripoli International Fair. |
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Thuria Hotel *** - Tripoli |
Thuria hotel is ideally situated to make the most of any trip to Tripoli. |
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Ashajara Hotel*** - Tripoli |
Ashajara hotel is a 3 star hotel located in Dahra area, which is in the heart of the city. Its unique location grants the residents an easy access to the Tripoli utilities & services. |
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Safwa Hotel*** - Tripoli |
SAFWA hotel is a First Class, 3 star hotel that has been uniquely designed in suites. It is located in the the old Italian quarter in the center of Tripoli. |
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Zahrat El Khaleej Hotel *** - Tripoli |
A charming Hotel that is located in the city centre. The hotel offers a reasonable price for good standard accommodation |
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Yousser Hotel Tripoli ** |
Yousser hotel is located in the Italian old quarter Dahra, close to the Embassy of Italy and Al Wadan hotel. |
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Bait Al Sharq Hotel*** - Tripoli |
Bait Al Sharq Hotel provides the value for money hard to find in this area.Extremely well located. |
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Radisson Blu Hotel***** Tripoli |
Coming soon.
The hotel is Located in one of the fanciest neighbourhoods in Tripoli. Location: 800 meters from Green Square. |
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Al Rayan Hotel*** - Tripoli |
New hotel coming soon. |
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