Libya officially the State of Libya, is a country in the Maghreb region in North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad to the south, Niger to the southwest, Algeria to the west and Tunisia to the northwest.
Libya has been inhabited by Berbers since the late Bronze Age as descendants from Iberomaurusian and Capsian cultures. The Phoenicians established trading posts in western Libya and ancient Greek colonists established city-states in eastern Libya. Libya was variously ruled by Carthaginians, Persians, Egyptians and Greeks before becoming a part of the Roman Empire. Libya was an early centere of Christianity. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the area of Libya was mostly occupied by the Vandals until the 7th century when invasions brought Islam to the region. In the 16th century, the Spanish Empire and the Knights of St John occupied Tripoli until Ottoman rule began in 1551. Libya was involved in the Barbary Wars of the 18th and 19th centuries. Ottoman rule continued until the Italo-Turkish War which resulted in the Italian occupation of Libya and the establishment of two colonies, Italian Tripolitania and Italian Cyrenaica (1911–1934), later unified in the Italian Libya colony from 1934 to 1947. During the Second World War, Libya was an area of warfare in the North African Campaign.
10:00am-11:30am : Nalut ruins, Nalut District
Narrow streets wind through Nalut ruins, an ancient town with caves, granaries, and castle ruins, that played a huge role in trading because of its location. Most of the ruins once served as granaries, which people built around their resident structures. You can see the former granary which contains more than 400 rooms where people stored oil and grains inside. The structure was also used to conduct trade. Around the area, explore see caves and springs--hire a guide to learn the historical facts and find out locals’ stories that surround this place.
12:00pm-1:30pm : Gurgi Mosque
See Moroccan stone carvings, floral motifs, and colorful tilework at Gurgi Mosque. This mosque was the last one built by the Ottomans during their rule in 19th century. See incredible carvings on domes, and don't miss the one above the prayer tower with floral designs facing Mecca. Although small, the mosque boasts Turkish architectural style combined with interior artwork. While going through the main hall, look for ceramic Tunisian tiles and Italian marble pillars. The mosque also features the tombs of commissioner Mustafa Gurgi and his family.
1:30pm-2:00pm : The Arch of Marcus Aurelius
The last remaining structure of the ancient Roman Oea, The Arch of Marcus Aurelius was erected to celebrate the victory over the Parthian Empire and the Roman army. Built from Greek marble around 165 CE, the stone structure was moved here from Leptis Magna. The well-preserved arch has four entrances, since it once stood at the main crossroads and was likely a meeting place for the businesspeople of the time. Notice the reliefs of two figures riding a chariot drawn by mythical creatures on the front pediments. They may represent Lucius Verus, the emperor's brother, and the goddess Roma, or some say they may signify two patron deities, Minerva and Apollo.
2:30pm-4:00pm : Tripoli's Red Castle (Assai al-Hamra)
For a fascinating look into the past, drop by Tripoli's Red Castle (Assai al-Hamra), once a major seat of power with a maze of alleys, courtyards, and houses. High walls surround the citadel, which encompasses about 13,000 sq m (140,000 sq ft) and includes an informative museum packed with interesting archaeological artifacts.
4:30pm-6:00pm : Martyrs' Square
Take a stroll through Martyrs' Square, which has long served as the city's gathering place for socializing and important events. The square saw political protests during the 2011 civil war, and was a focal point in the Battle of Tripoli that same year. Known as Green Square under General Gaddafi's rule, Independence Square during the monarchy, and Piazza Italia under colonialism (when it contained a bread market), today the plaza lies surrounded by a commercial center. Browse and shop for various products, and sit down for a cup of coffee or a meal next to the open square, with a view of the city harbor. Other notable structures include the national museum and a large fountain, which often serves as a meeting point for locals.
10:00am-11:30am : Street Murals
Amble around the streets of Tripoli and view the creative flair of Street Murals. During the revolution that led to the fall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, locals used art as a political tool to illustrate the young martyrs of the time. The murals serve as significant evidence of Libya's past, and have been preserved by their council. Since then, more have continued to pop up in the old Gaddafi complex, particularly with images of women's empowerment. Hire a tour guide if you want to get the full story behind the images, some of which feature text in Arabic or other languages.
11:00am-1:00pm : Fish Market
Famous for its different species of fish, Fish Market serves produce fresh from the Mediterranean. Located in the ancient commercial area of Old Tripoli, this particular market takes place on Fridays, when locals swarm to buy freshly caught fish from dozens of vendors. The modern facility includes a fish cleaning service, ice packing, and cafes where you can relax with a coffee. Prices are very low, so get there fast and grab a bargain.
10:00pm-3:00pm : Tripoli's Jamahiriya Museum
A fine collection of artworks and artifacts housed inside Tripoli's Jamahiriya Museum provides a good overview of Libya's history and an introduction into its rich culture. Part of an old fortress, the museum opens a window into the region's past and covers everything from the Neolithic era until the modern times.
9:00am-11:00am : Al Khums
10:30am-1:30pm : Leptis Magna
Explore one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the Mediterranean at Leptis Magna. You'll learn about its past, including its construction by Phoenicians and Berbers in the 2nd century BCE, and its flourishing under the Italian merchants. While a part of the city's temple now stands in a park in the UK, much remains untouched on site. Look for the five perfectly preserved and masterfully rendered pool and floor mosaics, depicting scenes of a warrior with a deer, four wrestlers, and gladiator fights--the last one considered among the finest mosaics in the world.
Free Time
6:30pm-8:30pm : Tripoli
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