Tips 1 - 10 of 12 Benghazi Things to Do
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Things To Do: Beit Medina Takafi
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Beit Medina Takafi is a beautifully restored Ottoman merchant's house, which is the centrepiece of the Medina renovation project. Stone archways and balconies surround an open courtyard with a fountain.
It has recently opened as a museum with various exhibits relating to the local history of Benghazi, including ancient pottery and period clothes. Explanations are in Arabic only.
Opening hours: 8am-10pm
Admission is free
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Directions: In the Old City
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Things To Do: Old Town Hall
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Benghazi's old town hall was built by the Italians in the early twentieth century. It was once the building from which the country was governed. From its balcony, Mussolini spoke to the Italian occupants of the city, Field Marshal Rommel reviewed the German troops and King Idris addressed his loyal citizens. It extends along the entire western side of Freedom Square. Now, perhaps because of its historical connections, this once grand building has been left to fall into disrepair, but , in spite of its broken windows and peeling walls, it still has a faded beauty.
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Directions: In Freedom Square, at the end of Sharia Omar al-Mukhtar
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Things To Do: Old Lighthouse
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Benghazi's old lighthouse is in the oldest part of the city, overlooking the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Berenice. The light is at the top of a massive white tower. It is still in use and the white flashing light can be seen from a range of 17 nautical miles at night.
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Directions: Near the waterfront at the northern end of Sharia Ahmed Rafiq al-Mahdawi
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Things To Do: Former Italian Cathedral
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One of Benghazi's most distinctive landmarks is the former Italian Cathedral at the end of the Corniche, overlooking the harbour. This was once the largest church in North Africa. It is no longer used as a church, having been converted in 1970 into a mosque and later into the Arab Socialist Union headquarters. It is now falling into a state of disrepair, but its twin green domes can still be seen from afar. The neo-classical columns of its front portico are also impressive.
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Directions: At the southern end of Sharia al-Corniche, overlooking Benghazi Harbour.
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Things To Do: Mataba
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The futuristic Mataba, which looks a bit like a badminton shuttlecock, houses the Green Book Centre.
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Address: Sharia 23 July
Directions: Mataba stands between the Tibesti Hotel and the Jamal Abdul Nasser Monument, overlooking 23 July Lake.
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Things To Do: Berenice
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One of the pleasant surprises of Benghazi is the archaeological site of the ancient Greek city of Berenice. It was named after the wife of Ptolemy III. There are Greek and Roman relics here as well as Byzantine mosaics.
I really enjoyed wandering around the site, but was a little frustrated that I didn't know exactly what I was looking at. Excavations and restoration work are ongoing. It is nowhere near as extensive as Cyrene, but when archaeological work is complete and explanations of what the various parts of the site once were become available, this will be a significant attraction for visitors. Admission is free.
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Directions: Just off Sharia Ahmed Rafiq al-Mahdawi, next to the Old Lighthouse at the northern end of Benghazi Harbour.
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Things To Do: Al Daawa al-Islamiyah
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The most striking modern building on Benghazi's waterfront is Al Daawa al-Islamiyah or the Islamic Call Society building. It is the headquarters from which Colonel Gadaffi hopes to convert all of the African continent to Islam. The World Islamic Call Society is responsible for Libyan religious affairs.
The building houses commercial offices too.
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Address: Sharia al-Jezayir
Directions: On the promontary between 23 July Lake and Benghazi Harbour.
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Things To Do: Atiq Mosque
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Atiq Mosque, or Al Jame al-Kabir, stands at the northern end of Freedom Square. It was originally built in the fifteenth century, but has been recently renovated.
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Things To Do: Garyounis University
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Garyounis University was founded on December 15th 1955 as the Libyan University. It was the first university to open in Libya. It stands on the Corniche near the Former Italian Cathedral. I attended a meeting there and had a tour of the main building. I was surprised to find an impressive Arabesque cabinet that used to belong to the Queen of Libya standing at the back of one of the classsrooms. It is currently being used as a store cupboard by the cleaning lady.
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Things To Do: 23 July Lake and Park
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Join a Discussion ferries from libya
(3 replies, Thursday, May 3, 2007, 12:31 AM UTC) Ferries to and from Libia
(3 replies, Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005, 6:24 AM UTC) not urgent but important to me
(7 replies, Wednesday, Aug 13, 2008, 7:02 AM UTC) » All Benghazi Posts
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TheWanderingCamel Sun Nov 30, 2008 09:01 UTC
We're going back to Libya with friends next March - Benghazi and the Jebel Akhdar on our itinerary this time. Thanks for the tips - the restaurants sound good! | xaver Tue Jun 26, 2007 23:34 UTC
very well written and complete tips, it's a pity there are not explanations yet in the archeological site but the city looks really like a place to be seen. |
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