"Tripoli" a Tripoli Travel Page by grets

In Arabic, Tripoli is known as Tarabalus Al-Gharb (Tripoli of the West). Tripoli was known as Oea in ancient times. Established in the 7th century (as Oea), Tripoli became the capital of Libya in 1951.

The basic street plan of the old walled city was laid down in the Roman period. Impenetrable walls we constructed on the landside against attacks from Tripolitana and the interior. There are three gates providing access to the town, Bab Al-Barh in the north, Bab Zanata in the west wall and Bab Hawara on the south-east side. A new wall was built of the seaward side in the 8th century.

Narrow streets run through the old city and there are a number of restored houses, a synagogue and a consulate.