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                   Lebanese Famous Cities

Trablus (Tripoli) Profile

Altitude: 10m
Distance from Beirut: 83km

Getting there

From Beirut, take the autostrade in the north direction, through Nahr El Kalb, Jounieh, Jbayl, Amchit, toward the tunnel to Chekka, Amioun, Tripoli.

Citadel of Trablus

General Information

Known as the capital of the North, Tripoli (Trablos or Trablus in Arabic, Tripoli ), 85 kilometers north of Beirut, has a special character all of its own.

Founded by the three cities of Sidon, Tyre and Arados island during the Persian era, it became the centre of a confederation, where Phoenicians met to debate their important affairs. Since its foundation, probably in the 9th century BC, until the end of the Crusader period, Tripoli was situated around the Al-Mina port district. After its destruction by the Mamlukes in 1289, however, it was replaced by a new town near the hill of the Crusader Castle of Raymond de Saint-Gilles, founder of the County of Tripoli. The castle has been renovated and changed many times during its history, most recently in the early 19th century.

Modern Tripoli, which has a population of about 500,000, is divided into two parts: El-Mina (the port area and site of the ancient city) and the town of Tripoli proper. The medieval city at the foot of the Crusader castle is where most of the historical sites are located. Surrounding this is a modern metropolis which is occupied with commerce, banking and recreation. The area known as "At-Tall", dominated by an Ottoman clock tower (built in 1901/2) in the heart of down-town Tripoli, is the transportation centre and terminus for most taxi routes. Thanks to its historical wealth, relaxed lifestyle and thriving business climate, this is a city where modern and medieval blend easily into a lively and hospitable metropolis.

  When shopping in the old Souks (markets) or downtown area, remember that gold is a good buy. Other popular items are Tripoli's famous sweets and traditional olive-oil based soap, water pipes and brass work. Al-Mina is a good place to find seafood restaurants and fish markets. The city's most comfortable hotels and Western-style restaurants can be found in the beach resorts south of the city.

There are many historical places of interest in Tripoli. Forty-five buildings in the city, many dating from the 14th century, have been registered as historical sites. Twelve mosques from Mamluke and Ottoman times have survived along with an equal number of madrassas or theological schools. Secular buildings include the hammam or bathing-house which followed the classical pattern of Roman Byzantine baths and the khans and caravansary. The Souks, together with the khans, form an agglomeration of various trades where tailors, jewelers, perfumers, tanners and soap-makers work in surroundings that have changed very little over the last 500 years.

Overlooking the sea is the imposing Citadel of Tripoli known as Qal'at Sinjil (Saint Gillers) which has been renovated and changed many times during its history. Of further interest is The Great Mosque that was completed in 1315. Its large courtyard is surrounded by porticos and a domed and vaulted prayer hall. Inside one can still see elements of Western architecture from the old church. Other interesting buildings include the beautiful 14th century Burtasiyat Madrassa-Mosque, Hamman Al-Abed, Tripoli's only functioning bathing-house and Khan Al-Khayyatin or Tailor's Khan, one of the oldest in Tripoli

Trablus Neighborhood

Just offshore is a string of small islands. The largest, known as the Island of Palm Trees or Rabbit's Island, is now a nature reserve for green turtles and rare birds. Declared a protected area by UNESCO in 1992, camping, fire building or other depredation is forbidden. This Island also holds Roman and Crusader remains. Qalamoun, south of Tripoli is known for its brass industry. The roadside is lined with small workshops and showrooms where brass bowls, candlesticks and other objects are hammered out in the old tradition

                              

 

 

 

 

 

Information From the Ministry of Tourism

Lebanese Ministry of Tourism

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