Situated on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea on the north-west coast of Libya, Tripoli was founded around 7th century BC by the Phoenicians. Capital and largest city of Libya, Tripoli was originally named 'Oea' by the Phoenicians, however this was changed to Tripoli (which means three cities in Greek) during the control of the Romans, who made it the capital of the Tripolitania region which included Sabratha and Leptis Magna.
Modern Tripoli has diverse and curious mix of...
more »Situated on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea on the north-west coast of Libya, Tripoli was founded around 7th century BC by the Phoenicians. Capital and largest city of Libya, Tripoli was originally named 'Oea' by the Phoenicians, however this was changed to Tripoli (which means three cities in Greek) during the control of the Romans, who made it the capital of the Tripolitania region which included Sabratha and Leptis Magna.
Modern Tripoli has diverse and curious mix of ancient Roman relics, Ottoman and Italianate colonial architecture and it remains relatively unspoiled although there a number of large building projects taking place throughout the growing city.
The true heart of Tripoli is the ancient walled Medina or Old city which originates from Roman times. The Medina is a fascinating, exotic and bustling mix of narrow alleys, ornate doorways, elaborate mosques, refined European architecture, various souks or markets and intoxicating rich sugar and spice aromas. Interestingly Tripoli remained within the Medina ancient walls until the 19th century when population growth forced it to move beyond the borders of the old city.
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