Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo was one of the earliest temples at Cyrene, with the foundations dating from the 6th century BC. The initial structure was little more than an open courtyard, but was soon enhanced by rows of six columns along two sides and eleven on the other two. Fragments of
Jarasan Square
Ramble along to the start of one of the seven major streets, Jarasan St, which runs deep into the heart of the city. The lovely whitewashed walls are a taste of things to come and, during the time when the city was inhabited, their height must have offered residents significant pri
Gurgi Mosque
The Gurgi Mosque, just west of the Arch of Marcus Aurelius, was built in the 19th century and was the last mosque built in Tripoli under the Turks. Although quite small, its interior is the most beautiful in the city. The main prayer hall contains imported marble pillars from Italy
Theatre
Leptis Theatre is one of the oldest stone theatres anywhere in the Roman world and is the second-largest surviving theatre in Africa (after Sabratha). It was begun in AD 1-2, although many adornments were later added, and was built on the site of a 3rd- to 5th-centuries BC Punic ne
Hunting Baths
If you head northwest from the Arch of Septimius Severus, you pass under the Oea Gate, or Arch of Antoninus Pius (2nd century AD). You eventually come to the superb Hunting Baths, recognisable by their consecutive, barrel-domed roofs in light sandstone. These baths never rivalled t
Market
As youre returning from the port, detour northwest past the Severan Basilica to the Market, one of the most unusual and attractive of the Leptis monuments. In its two reconstructed octagonal halls (approximately 20m in diameter) stalls were set up to sell the bounty of Leptis farme
Circus
The Circus (or hippodrome) is reached via a side passage on the western side of the amphitheatre. Dating from AD 162 during the reign of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, it was home to chariot races attended by up to 25,000 people. The long side of the track ran for 450m while the short
Green Square
Scour an old, pre-revolution map of Tripoli and youre likely to find yourself a little disoriented. Thats because Green Square - the hub of central Tripoli where the medina meets the traffic-filled streets of modern Tripoli - was only carved out after the 1969 revolution. Until the
Madrassat al
Madrassat al-Founoun Wasanaa al-Islamiya is worth visiting for two reasons. The first is that the beautifully arched façade conceals a delightful, expansive two-tiered courtyard which is rich in history. Originally built as a school during the Ottoman period, it was transformed int
House of Jason Magnus
Across the path from the Xystos is the impressive private residence of Claudius Tiberius Jason Magnus, high priest of the Temple of Apollo in the 2nd century AD. The floor of the main entrance is covered with marble. A number of rooms, including the large dining room or banquet hal
Temple of Zeus
A steepish climb up the hill from the rest of the site is the famed Temple of Zeus, one of the highlights of Cyrene. Reflecting Cyrenes importance in the ancient Greek world, the Temple of Zeus was larger than the Parthenon in Athens. Constructed in the 5th century BC, the sanctuar
Severan Basilica
The Severan Basilica, 92m long and 40m wide, ran along the northeastern side of the Severan Forum. The basilica, originally a judicial basilica rather than a church, contained two apses at either end, a nave, aisles divided by red-granite columns and possibly a wooden roof. It was
Old British Consulate
The Old British Consulate building, west of the Gurgi Mosque on Shari Hara Kbira, was first constructed in 1744 as a residence for Ahmed Pasha (the founder of the Karamanli dynasty) during the final phase of his reign (1711-45). From the second half of the 18th century until 1940,
Cyrene
Second in importance only to Leptis Magna, Cyrene is a must see. It ranks as the best preserved of the Greek cities of Cyrenaica, with its temples, tombs, agora, gymnasium and theatre originally modelled on those at Delphi. Apart from the spectacular Greek ruins, its location high
House of Yusuf Karamanli
Just south of the Roman Column Crossroads, the House of Yusuf Karamanli dates from the beginning of the 19th century and was the private residence of Tripolis former ruler. Although this represents an extravagant example, it provides a window on the world of private houses that onc
Leptis Magna
If you only see one archaeological site in Libya, this is the one to choose. Regarded as the best Roman site in the Mediterranean, Leptis Magnas spectacular architecture and massive scale will impress even the most ruin-weary traveller. The city was originally a Phoenician port, se
Doing business & staying in touch while in Libya
Libya: Doing business & staying in touch
Libya Weather, Climate and Geography
Libya Weather, climate and geography
Libya History, Language and Culture
Libya History, Language and Culture
Libya Travel Guide and Travel Information
Libya Travel Guide
